SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON

RIY

SENIOR DIVISION

FIRST QUARTER 1953

Introduction

The Christian church is passing through a perilous age. In

many lands the forces of evil have passed from veiled opposition

into open persecution. There are Christian martyrs today as

there were in the distant past. The fiercest testing time in his-

tory may break upon the church in this hour.

In such an age as this the church needs the sustaining assur-

ance of God's presence. From the Sacred Word of God we must

draw living power by storing its precious promises in our minds

and by building character on its eternal truths. From the mes-

sages of the spirit of prophecy we are to find heaven's counsel

for the church. In the church of Jesus Christ we are to find the

sweet fellowship of kindred spirits, encouraging, inspiring,

strengthening us for the last great conflict.

Such are the themes of this quarter's lessons. Studied daily,

received into the heart, they cannot fail to bring great blessing

to the faithful.

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

MARCH 28, 1953

FAR EASTERN DIVISION

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 231, January-March, 1953. 15 cents a single copy, 50 cents

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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly

THREE AVENUES OF DIVINE WITNESS

The Word of God

The Testimony of Jesus

The Church of Christ

Lesson 1, for January 3, 1953

The Holy Scriptures

MEMORY VERSE:

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable

for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

2 Tim. 3:16.

STUDY HELP: W. E.

Read, "The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church,"

chapter 1.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson.



5. Questions 12, 13.

Questions 1-3; memorize



6. Questions 14, 15; read study help

2 Tim. 3:16.



assignment.

Questions 4-7.



7. Review the entire lesson.

Questions 8-11.

Lesson Outline:

I. Their Names

The Scripture, the Scriptures. Luke

4:21.

The Holy Scriptures. Rom. 1:2.

Scriptures of the prophets. Matt.

26:56.

The word of God. Eph. 6:17.

The Oracles. Acts 7:38.

IV. Their Eternity

"The word of the Lord endureth

forever." 1 Peter 1:25.

Perpetual. Matt. 24:35.

V. Their Purpose

For doctrine, reproof, correction, in-

struction. 2 Tim. 3:16.

For man's equipment and perfection.

2 Tim. 3:17.

II. Their Symbols

Food. John 6:48, 51, 58.

Drink. Eph. 5:26.

Precious things. Ps. 12:6.

Light. Ps. 119:105.

Weapons. Heb. 4:12 ; Jer. 23:29.

Power. Rom. 1:16; Jer. 5:14.

III. Their Origin

God. 2 Tim. 3:16.

The Holy Ghost moved holy m

2 Peter

1:21.

Key Words:

1. "Word."

the New Testament this

comes from two words-(a)

Logos,

which

denotes the expression of thought, not merely

the name of something. 1 Cor. 14:9, 19. It

may be a statement by God, as in John 15:

25, or by Christ, as in Matt. 24:35. It is also

used of "the Personal Word, a title of the

Son of God; this identification is substan-

tiated by the statements of doctrine in John

en. 1:1-18."-Vine,

Expository Dictionary of

New Testament Words. (b) Rhema,

which

[3]

denotes that which is spoken or written. It

is used in Ephesians 6:17, "the sword of the

Spirit, which is the word of God," a refer-

ence to individual scriptures brought to the

believer's mind in time of need, he having

previously stored the mind with the words

of God.

"Inspired."

This comes from two

words—"God," and "to breathe." The Scrip-

tures are thus "God-breathed," as distinct

from noninspired writings. Many old Bible

versions use "inspired of God" for "inspira-

tion."

THE LESSON

NoTE.—Observe the expressions, "gave,"

"gayest," "given." Christ, the Incarnate

Word, was given (John 3:16) ; the Bible,

the written word, was given (Ps. 68:11).

Their Names

1. What is the term generally used

in the Bible to describe the Sacred

Writings? Luke 4:21; Matt. 21:42.

NOTE.—The expressions

Scripture

and

Scriptures

are used many times in the Holy

Writings. Besides these there are expressions

such as the "Holy Scriptures" (Rom. 1:2),

"the Scriptures of the prophets" (Matt.

26:56), "the Scripture of truth" (Dan.

10:21).

What other terms are used to

designate the written revelation from

heaven? Eph. 6:17; Heb. 5:12; Acts

7:38.

NoTE.—In Ephesians 6:17, the term trans-

lated

word

in the Authorized Version is one

that means "utterance," in this case an ut-

terance that goes forth from God's mouth,

thereby making it the sword that is so

effective in defeating spiritual foes. If we use

it just as God uttered it, preserving its exact

form, then there is power in what we say.

The word translated

oracles

in Hebrews

5:12 is one that refers not to outward form,

but particularly to the thought as part of a

speech or sermon, for example. It is the one

applied to Christ in John 1:1. At one time

there was no little discussion

ai6

to whether

it should be translated "Sermon" when the

reference is to Christ, as He is the living

expression of God's thought.

What expression is used to show

how man came into possession of the

Scriptures? Ps. 68:11. Compare Ezra

7:6;

Neh. 9:13.

Their Symbols

What are some of the figures or

symbols by which the word of God is

represented? Eph. 6:17; Ps. 119:105;

1 Peter

2:2.

NOTE.—The following passages liken the

word—

To food (bread, milk, water, honey, meat,

et cetera). 1 Peter 2:2 ; Eph. 5:26; Ps. 119:

103; Heb. 5:13, 14;

Steps to Christ,

page 93.

To precious things (gold, silver, precious

stones). Ps. 19:10; 12:6.

To light (light, lamp, candle). Ps. 119:

105;

Christ's Object Lessons,

pages 111, 406

(1923 ed., pp. 109, 110, 416).

To a sword. Eph. 6:17; compare Heb.

4:12.

]

To flame, fire. Jer. 5:14; 23:29, first part.

To a hammer. Jer. 23:29, second part.

To power. Rom. 1:16.

the intimate relation of the divine

word with themselves? Jer. 1:9; 2

Sam. 23:2; Jer. 20:9.

Their Origin

In what way were the

Scriptures given? 2 Tim. 3:16.

Holy



NOTE.—"It was Christ that spoke to His

people through the prophets. . . . It is the

voice of Christ that speaks to us through

the Old Testament."—Patriarchs

and Proph-

ets,

pages 366, 367.

10. How did successive prophets

relate themselves to previous revela-

tions from God? 2 Kings 22:8, 13;

Mal. 4:4; 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Peter 1:10, 11.

In what way is God's possession

of the prophet more fully described?

2 Peter 1:21.

NOTE.—Here it is seen that the Holy

Spirit, the Third Person of the Godhead,

is the moving agency directing God's serv-

ants, the prophets. They are "moved." The

word means "borne along," "carried along,"

"impelled," "driven." In Acts 27:15, 17 we

read of a ship being "driven" by the stormy

wind, and the same word is used in 2 Peter

1:21.

How much of the Scriptures is

inspired? 2 Tim. 3:16.

NoTE.—"The union of the divine and the

human, manifest in Christ, exists also in the

Bible. The truths revealed are all 'given by

inspiration of God;' yet they are expressed

in the words of men. . . . This fact, so far

from being an argument against the Bible,

should strengthen faith in it as the word of

God. Those who pronounce upon the in-

spiration of the Scriptures, accepting some

portions as divine while they reject other

parts as human, overlook the fact that

Christ, the divine, partook of our human

nature, that He might reach humanity. In,

the work of God for man's redemption,

divinity and humanity are combined."—

Testimonies, vol.

5, pp. 747, 748.

What authoritative expressions

are used in the Bible indicating its

divine origin? Ezek. 2:4; Jer. 10:1;

Isa. 44:6.

How do the prophets describe

NOTE.—The prophets accepted the reve-

lation through Moses; the apostles accepted

the divine word which came through both

Moses and the prophets. Jesus Christ also

accepted the writings of Moses, the psalms

(including the other historical books), and

the prophets. Luke 24:44.

11.

How intimately are the Scrip-

tures of the Old Testament related to

the experiences in the New? John

5:46, 47; Luke 24:27.

NOTE.—"The word of God includes the

Scriptures of the Old Testament as well as

of the New. One is not complete without

the other. Christ declared that the truths

of the Old Testament are as valuable as

those of the

New."—Christ's Object Les-

sons,

page 126.

Their Eternity

12.

In what language is the eternal

character of the word of God ex-

pressed? Isa. 40:8; 1 Peter 1:25.

NoTE.—The word of God is the word of

the living God, the Creator of all things.

God is eternal (Deut. 33:27) ; His word

must of necessity be eternal. Isaiah tells us

that the word "shall stand forever." Isa. 40:

8. Peter remarks that it "endureth forever."

1 Peter 1:25.

[

13.

How did the Lord further illus-

trate and emphasize the perpetual

nature of His Holy Word? Matt. 24:

35; Ps. 119:89.

NcrrE.-" 'Forever,

Lord, Thy word is

settled in heaven.' God's word, or law, is

eternal and unchanging-fixed and estab-

lished forever in the heaven of heavens."

-The Pulpit Commentary,

on Psalms, vol.

3, p. 108.

Their Purpose

14.

For what purpose was the word

of God given to men? 2 Tim. 3:16,

last part; Rom. 15:4.

15.

What is God's design for us,

so far as the Scriptures are concerned?

2 Tim. 3:17.

NOTE.-"Wonderful possibilities are open

to those who lay hold of the divine assur-

ances of God's

word."-Testimonies,

vol.

8, p. 322.

"Tbe whole Bible is a revelation of the

glory of God in Christ. Received, believed,

obeyed, it is the great instrumentality in the

transformation of character."-Testimonies,

vol. 8, p. 319.

Illustration:

An old hunter who moved to

new com-

munity in Michigan frequently got lost, so

friends bought him a compass. He got lost

again one day and a searching party found

him. "Why didn't you use the compass ?"

he was asked.

tried to make it point north, but the

thing wiggled every time I shook it, and then

it pointed southeast," he answered.

We must take the Bible, use it intelli-

gently, and then follow its leading.

Lesson 2, for January 10, 1953

Christ and the Holy Scriptures

MEMORY VERSE:

"Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto

them

in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27.

STUDY HELP:

"The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church," chapter

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson.



5. Questions 7-10.

Questions 1-3; memorize Luke 24:27.



6. Questions 11, 12.

Questions 4-6.



7. Review the entire lesson.

Read study help assignment.

Lesson Outline:

I. The

Scriptures

Testify of Christ.

Luke

24:25, 27, 44.

Concerning His first advent. Gen. 3:

15; Acts 3:24, 25.

Concerning His life and death. Isa.

53:1-12.

Concerning His resurrection, ascen-

sion, and coming kingdom.

Ps. 2:

7; 16:10; 68:18; Acts 3:20, 21.

II. Christ

Testifies

to the Scriptures.

The Old Testament statements

about

Him were true. Luke 24:44.

The Scriptures all testified

of Him.

John 5:39.

3. His quotations from and references

to the Old Testament include 66

references from the five books of

Moses, 36 from the Psalms, 40

from Isaiah, and 22 from Daniel.

Background Information:

The Hebrew Scriptures used by Jesus

were not arranged as are our Old Testament

books today. He referred to them in Luke

24:44: "in the law of Moses, and in the

prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me."

This was the threefold division of the He-

brew Scriptures as compiled by the Jews.

The Law

(Pentateuch) included Gen-

esis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuter-

onomy.

The Prophets

included Joshua, Judges,

1 Samuel,

Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, Isaiah,

Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Oba-

diah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah,

Habakkuk, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

The Writings

included Psalms, Proverbs,

Job, Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations,

Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah,

1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles.

THE LESSON

The Scriptures Testify of Him

Who was foretold by all the

prophets? Acts 10:43; 26:22.

NorE.—"In every page, whether history,

or precept, or prophecy, the Old Testament

Scriptures are irradiated with the glory of

the Son of God. . . . To Christ 'give all the

prophets witness.'

"—The Desire of Ages,

page 211.

In what language did Philip

declare his witness concerning the

Messiah? John 1:45.

NOTE.—"The Saviour is revealed in the

Old Testament as clearly as in the New. It

is the light from the prophetic past that

brings out the life of Christ and the teach--

ings of the New Testament with clearness

and beauty."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 799.

Of whom did Jesus say the Scrip-

tures testify, and how did He use

them? John 5:39; Luke 24:25, 27, 44.

NoTE.—"Jesus said of the Old Testament

Scripithres,



. 'They are they which testify

of Me,' the Redeemer, Him in whom our

hopes of eternal life are centered. Yes, the

whole Bible tells of Christ."—Steps

Christ,

page 92.

Concerning the First Advent

What is the first promise of re-

demption recorded in the Sacred

Writings? Gen. 3:15.

To whom and how was this

promise of the coming seed reiterated

through the centuries? Gen. 22:18;

Acts 3:25; Gen. 26:4; 28:14.

By what other figures and sym-

bols was the coming of the Deliverer

foreshadowed?

]

As Shiloh. Gen. 49:10.

As the Rock. Deut. 32:4; 1 Cor. 10:4.

As the Angel of the Lord. Ex. 14:19;

Acts 7:35, 38.

As the Branch. Zech. 6:12.

As the I AM. Ex. 3:14; John 8:58.

As the Cornerstone. Isa. 28:16; 1 Peter

2:6.

As the Desire of all nations. Haggai 2:7.

Concerning His Life and Death

What did the prophet Isaiah tes-

tify concerning the life, sufferings,

and death of the Sent of God? Isa.

61:1-3; 53:1-12.

NoTE.—"Christ was the medium through

which He could pour out His infinite love

upon a fallen world. 'God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto Himself' God

suffered with His Son. In the agony of

Gethsemane, the death of Calvary, the heart

of Infinite Love paid the price of our re-

demption."—Steps

to Christ,

page 15.

Concerning His Resurrection,

Ascension, and Coming Kingdom

According to the seers of ancient

days, what glory was to follow the

sufferings of Jesus? Ps. 16:10, com-

pare Acts 13:34-37; Ps. 68:18, com-

pare Eph. 4:8.

NcrrE.—"Under the inspiration of the Al-

mighty, the sweet singer of Israel had testi-

fied of the glories of the resurrection morn.

`My flesh also,' he joyously proclaimed,

`shall rest in hope. For Thou wilt not leave

My soul in hell [the grave]; neither wilt

Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corrup-

tion.'

"—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 227.

What are some of the prophetic

forecasts concerning the glorious ap-

pearing of Jesus and the setting up

of His everlasting kingdom? Ps. 50:

3-5; Hab. 3:3-8. Compare Acts 3:20,

21.

10.

What was the chief purpose of

the writers of the New Testament?

John 20:31; Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3;

Rev. 1:1.

NOTE.-"All

the lines of history and type,

of psalm and prophecy, converge toward

one center—Jesus Christ, and to the su-

preme event, His death on the cross for our

salvation. And from that center again all

the lines of history in the book of Acts, of

experience in the Epistles, and of prophecy

in Revelation, radiate out once more to

testify that the Father sent the Son to be

the Saviour of the world."—A. M. Hodg-

kin,

Christ in All the Scriptures,

Preface,

page 5.

Christ Testifies to the Scriptures

11.

How did Jesus Himself endorse

the Old Testament Scriptures? John

5:39; Luke 24:44.

NOTE.—In the New Testament, three di-

visions of the Hebrew Scriptures are recog-

nized—the law, that is, the Pentateuch; the

prophets; and the psalms. Jesus referred

to all three. See also:

The Pentateuch. John 5:44-47.

The Prophets. Luke 4:16-21.

The Psalms. Mark 12:35-37.

"The Old Testament sheds light upon the

New, and the New upon the Old. Each is a

revelation of the glory of God in Christ.

Christ as manifested to the patriarchs, as

symbolized in the sacrificial service, as por-

trayed in the law, and as revealed by the

prophets, is the riches of the Old Testament.

Christ in His life, His death, and His resur-

rection; Christ as He is manifested by the

Holy Spirit, is the treasure of the New.

Both Old and New present truths that will

continually reveal new depths of meaning

to the earnest

seeker."—Counsels to Par-

ents, Teachers, and Students,

pages 462, 463.

12.

How may sinful man become

acquainted with the Son of God?

John 5:24; 20:31.

[ 8 ]

Nora.-"You should search the Bible; for

it tells you of Jesus. As you read the Bible,

you will see the matchless charms of Jesus.

You will fall in love with the Man of Cal-

vary. . . . You may drink of the waters of

salvation. . . . Then your lips will speak

thanksgiving to

God."-Life Sketches,

page

293.

Illustration:

Once a piece of amber was discovered

which, when viewed under a magnifying

glass, was found to have embedded in it a

minute insect perfectly preserved in every

detail. No on knows how it got there, and

no one can take it out without destroying

the gem and the insect.

In like manner we know how Christ is

"in all the Scriptures," and no one can take

Him out of them, for He is central and

supreme.

Lesson 3, for January 17, 1953

Searching the Scriptures

MEMORY VERSE:

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that

needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim. 2:15.

STUDY HELP:

"The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church," chapter 3.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

•

1. General survey of the lesson.

Questions 1-3; memorize

2 Tim. 2:15.

Question 4; read study help

assignment.

Questions 5-7.

Questions 8, 9.

Questions 10-14.

Review the entire lesson.

The Unerring Guide

1. What evidence do we have that

Jesus accepted the Scriptures as an un-

erring guide? Luke 24:25, 27, 44.

Lesson Outline:

The Authority of the Bible.

Jesus believed it all. Luke 24:25.

It was His unerring guide. Matt.

22:29.

He believed the Scriptures could not

be broken. John 10:35.

They were the Alpha and Omega, as

He also was. Rev. 21:6;

Testi-

monies,

vol. 8, p. 299.

II. The Blessings of the Bible.

It cleanses and sanctifies. John 15:

17:17.

It satisfies and edifies. Ps. 119:10;

Acts 20:32.

It comforts and strengthens. Ps. 119:

28,52.

III. The Study of the Bible.

We must be ready to hear God's

words. Rev. 1:3.

We should meditate prayerfully,

daily, diligently. 1 Tim. 4:15; Ps.

119:18;

Education,

page 189.

We must follow the Holy Spirit's

guidance. 1 Cor. 2:10, 11.

THE LESSON

Nora.-"Jesus

so reverenced the Scrip-

tures for the sole reason that they are of

God in the highest sense in which those

words have ever been understood. The Old

Testament was to Jesus God's Book-the

[ 9 ]

Father's expressed mind and will."-John

Urquhart,

The Inspiration and Accuracy of

the Holy Scriptures,

pages 80, 81.

What further considerations lead

us to conclude that the Holy Writings

are unerring in their counsel? John

20:31.

NOTE.-"The Bible presents a perfect

standard of character; it is an infallible

guide under all circumstances, even to the

end of the journey of life. Take it as the

man of your counsel, the rule of your daily

life."-Testimonies,

vol. 5, p. 264.

The Alpha and Omega

of Knowledge

What term, applied to Christ,

the Eternal Word, may also properly

be applied to His written word?

Rev. 21:6.

NoTE.-"We have a Bible full of the most

precious truth. It contains the Alpha and

Omega of

knowledge."-Testimonies,

vol. 8,

p. 299.

The Rule of Faith and Doctrine

By what should doctrines and

faiths be tested? Isa. 8:20; John 5:39;

2 Tim. 3:15.

NOTE.-"The Bible, and the Bible alone,

is our rule of

faith."-Testimonies on Sab-

bath-School Work,

page 32.

Blessings From the Study

of the Word

What are some of the charac-

teristics of the word of God?

ANSWER:

The word of God is:

Pure. Prov. 30:5.

Holy. Rom. 1:2.

Sure. 2 Peter 1:19.

Faithful. Titus 1:9.

Reliable. 1 Kings 8:56.

Living. Heb. 4:12.

What can be accomplished in

the lives of God's children as a result

of the study of the Scriptures?

ANSWER: They can be:

Cleansed. John 15:3.

Sanctified. John 17:17.

Satisfied. Ps. 119:103.

Edified. Acts 20:32.

Comforted. Ps. 119:52.

Strengthened. Ps. 119:28.

When we permit our lives to be

guided by God's word, how shall we

regard it?

ANSWER: We shall:

Trust it. Ps. 119:42.

Meditate on it. Ps. 119:15.

Love it. Ps. 119:140.

Preach it. Acts 8:4.

Duty to Study the Bible

What earnest counsel is given

concerning the study of the word of

God? 2 Tim. 2:15.

What examples are given in the

Bible of those who diligently studied

the Scriptures? 1 Peter 1:10; Acts

17:11.

NOTE.-The original words rendered

"search" in these texts mean to search into,

to examine fully, to explore.

"The minds of the Bereans were not nar-

rowed by prejudice. .. . Daily they searched

the Inspired Records; and as they compared

scripture with scripture, heavenly angels

were beside them, enlightening their minds

and impressing their hearts."-The

Acts of

the Apostles,

page 231.

10 ]

How to Study

10.

What counsel does the Lord

give us as to how to study His Sacred

Word? Isa. 28:10.

NoTE.—"In daily study the verse-by-verse

method is often most helpful. Let the stu-

dent take one verse, and concentrate the

mind on ascertaining the thought that God

has put into that verse for him, and then

dwell upon the thought until it becomes his

own. One passage thus studied until its sig-

nificance is clear, is of more value than the

perusal of many chapters with no definite

purpose in view, and no positive instruction

gained."—Education,

page 189.

11.

What assurance of divine help

do we have as we approach the word

of God? Eph. 1:17, 18.

12.

Through whom does the Lord

direct us in our study of His word?

1 Cor. 2:10, 11, 14; John 14:26.

13.

What may we sometimes en-

counter in our meditation upon the

divine word? 2 Peter 3:15, 16.

NOTE.—"The word of God, like the char-

acter of its divine 'Author, presents mysteries

that can never be fully comprehended by

finite beings. The entrance of sin into the

world, the incarnation of Christ, regenera-

tion, the resurrection, and many other sub-

jects presented in the Bible, are mysteries

too deep for the human mind to explain, or

even fully to comprehend. But we have no

reason to doubt God's word because we can-

not understand the mysteries of His provi-

dence."—Steps

to Christ,

page

111.

14.

What prayers of David indicate

the desires of a sincere student of the

word of life? Ps. 119:18; 143:10; 25:5.

Illustration:

A great philosopher and poet had given a

discourse on the internal evidences of the

Bible. He closed with a statement of his own

experience with the Bible. "Other books I

find at my will," he said, then added impres-

sively, "but the Bible finds

me!"

Do you study the Bible? Has it found

you?

For Further Study:

Searching the Bible makes us fall in

love with Jesus, the Man of Calvary. See

Life Sketches,

page 293.

Utilizing the spare moments of

busy

life in reading the word is profitable.

Coun-

sels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,

page 463.

The Bible alone is our rule of faith and

doctrine.

Testimonies on Sabbath-School

Work,

page 32;

Gospel Workers,

page 249.

Some productive methods of Bible

study:

Biographical or character study. He-

brews 11;

Testimonies,

vol. 4, pp. 9, 15.

This method gives us wide views as we

read large sections at one sitting. Various

inexpensive outline book studies are on the

market.

The Outlined Bible,

by G. Campbell

Morgan, is good, but larger.

Chapter-and-verse study.

The Desire

of Ages,

page 390;

Education,

page 189.

Doctrinal study.

To take a doctrine like

faith, righteousness, grace, the Sabbath, and

follow it through the Bible is an exhaustless

source of profit.

Topical study. As distinct from doc-

trines, we might take themes like patience,

alertness, activity, the pidposes of God, etc.

Historical and chronological study.

Such study, by a good student especially,

may help him profit from events and dates.

The sojourn of Israel in Egypt, the Exodus

wanderings, the captivities, the apostasies

and reforms in Israel, the 2300 days, are but

a few illustrations.

Lesson 4, for January 24, 1953

The Word of God

MEMORY VERSE:

"But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the

word which by the gospel is preached unto you." 1 Peter 1:25.

STUDY HELP:

"The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church," chapter 4.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson.

Questions 1, 2; memorize 1 Peter

1:25.

Questions 3-5.

Questions 6-8.

Questions 9, 10; read study

help assignment.

Questions 11, 12.

Review the entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Definition of the Word of God.

The words of God to man recorded

in writing. Heb. 4:12.

The words of God to man in living,

audible form. John 1:1-3, 14.

II. The Nature of the Word of God.

1. It is described as-

Creative. Heb. 11:3.

Sustaining. Col. 1:17.

Delivering. Deut. 11:23.

Healing. Matt. 8:

Saving. Acts 13:26;

The Minis-

try of Healing,

page 122.

Powerful. Heb. 1:3.

2. Its every promise contains the power

and life of God.

Christ's Object

Lessons,

page 38.

III. The Effects of the Word of

God.

It conveys eternal life. John 6:51-54.

It brings satisfaction into human

life. Jer. 15:16.

IV. Our Attitude to the Word of God.

We should receive it as a divine rev-

elation. 1 Thess. 2:13 ;

Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 278.

We must act on its precepts. James

1:22.

THE LESSON

Definition of the Word of God

By what name are the Scriptures

called? Heb. 4:12, first part.

What is the living word of God?

John 1:1-3; Rev. 19:13; 1 John 1:1.

NOTE.

-"By

coming to dwell with us,

Jesus was to reveal God both to men and to

angels. He was the Word of God-God's

thought made audible."-The

Desire of

Ages,

page 19.

"The only-begotten Son of God is called

`the Word' because:

1. He reveals what is

hidden; 2. Manifests what is unseen; 3. Ac-

tively and creatively expresses the divine

thought. He speaks and it is done, corn-

mands and it stands fast.

'All things were

[

12]

made by Him, and without Him was not

anything made that was made.'

With what

the heart is filled the mouth runs over. That

with which the heart of God is filled is locked

up in the Word, who is with God and was

God."—Preacher's Homiletic Commentary:

St. John, page 34.

The Nature of the Word

What is said about the power

and authority of God's word? Heb.

4:12, 13; Luke 4:32.

NOTE.—"In every command and in every

promise of the word of God is the power, the

very life of God, by which the command

may be fulfilled and the promise realized.

He who by faith receives the word is receiv-

ing the very life and character of God."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

page 38.

"The creative energy that called the worlds

into existence is in the word of God. This

word imparts power; it begets life. Every

command is a promise; accepted by the will,

received into the soul, it brings with it the

life of the Infinite One. It transforms the

nature, and re-creates the soul in the image

God."—Education,

page 126.

What are some of the recorded

evidences of the working of this word

of power?

ANSWER:

creating. Ps. 33:6, 9; Heb.

1:2; Ps. 148:5.

In upholding. Heb. 1:3 ; Col. 1:17.

In miracle .working. Mark 2:2-12; Luke

4:32-36.

In delivering. Ex. 12:23, 29; Ps. 105:28,

31, 34, 42.

Of what significance is it to us

that the word of God is all powerful?

James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23.

What important lessons may be

learned from contemplation of the

word of God?

By the word of God we must live. Deut.

8:3 ; Matt. 4:4.

Partaking of the living Bread means ever-

lasting life. John 6:35, 57, 58, 63.

NOTE.—"As our physical life is sustained

by food, so our spiritual life is sustained by

the word of God. And every soul is to re-

ceive life from God's word for himself. As

we must eat for ourselves in order to receive

nourishment, so we must receive the word

for ourselves."—The

Desire of Ages,

page

390.

The Effects of the Word

What are some of the effects of

the word of God in the lives of those

who receive it? Ps. 119:9, 11; 107:20.

NoTE.—"We allow our minds to be drawn

away from the word. If the word of God

were eaten as the food for the soul, if it

were treated with respect and deference,

there would be no necessity for the many

and repeated testimonies that are borne. The

simple declarations of Scripture would be re-

ceived and acted

upon."—Testimonies,

vol.

6, p. 393 (1948 ed, pp. 392, 393).

ANSWER:

Christ is the living Bread. John

6:51.

8. What assurance does the Lord

give to those who accept and obey His

Holy Word?

[ 13 ]

ANSWER: The word never fails. Joshua

21:45 ; 1 Kings 8:56.

The word abides in us. John 15:7; 1 John

2:14.

The word produces faith. Rom. 10:17.

Our Attitude

What was one outstanding fea-

ture of the Thessalonian believers in

their relation to the word of God?

1 Thess. 2:13.

NOTE.—To them it was not the "word of

men," but the "word of God." They "re-

ceived" it as such, the living word of power,

and it effectually worked in their lives.

"If we would live a true Christian life, the

conscience must be quickened by constant

contact with the word of God. All the pre-

cious things which at infinite cost God has

provided for us will do us no good ; they can-

not strengthen us and produce spiritual

growth unless we appropriate them. We

must eat the word of God—make it a part

ourselves."—Testimonies, vol.

7, p. 195.

10.

What was it that characterized

Jeremiah in his relation to the word

of God? Jer. 15:16.

NoTE.—"The followers of Christ . .. must

receive and assimilate the word of God so

that it shall become the motive power of life

and action. . . . They must eat the flesh and

drink the blood of the Son of God, or there

is no life in

them."—Patriarchs and Proph-

ets,

page 278.

11.

What is one vital factor in our

relation to the word of truth? James

1:22; 1 John 2:17.

NorE.—It is important to have a "knowl-

edge" of the truth. 1 Tim. 2:4. It is vital that

we "believe the truth" (2 Thess. 2:13), it is

important that we "obey the truth" (1 Peter

1:22), and, more so, that we "love the truth"

(2 Thess. 2:10).

"No matter how zealous men may be in

their observance of religious ceremonies, the

Lord cannot accept them if they persist in

willful violation of one of His commands."

—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 634.

12.

After we have received and

obeyed the word of God, what does

the Lord expect us to do? 2 Tim. 4:1,

2; Rev. 1:3.

NoTE.—"The Saviour's commission to the

disciples included all the believers. It in-

cludes all believers in Christ to the end of

time. . . . All who receive the life of Christ

are ordained to work for the salvation of

their fellow

men."—The Desire of Ages,

page

822.

"The doers of the word are those who are

ruled by it, who practically comply with its

requirements, who not only read, under-

stand, and believe it, but submit to its auth-

ority, regulate their tempers and lives by its

precepts. The term, too, is expressive of con-

tinuance, permanence. We must live and

move in this element, we must find our occu-

pation here the chief delight of our existence.

It is only such doing that constitutes a doer

of the word. 'And not hearers only.' This is

what the apostle is anxious to guard against.

Mark what it really is which he condemns.

It is not being hearers—very far from that.

It is the stopping short here, resting in it,

which he condemns. He finds no fault with

those who are hearers, it is with those who

are hearers simply and 'not doers.' He adds,

`Deceiving your own selves.' Whatever the

foundation on which they build, whatever

the process by which they reach the conclu-

sion in their own favor—all who think well

of themselves, who believe that they are

God's people, and on the way to heaven,

while they are hearers only and not doers—

all such must, and do, delude themselves.

They are helped to this result. The father of

lies tries to persuade them that they are all

right as to their spiritual character. He

labors to hide from us the truth, and to draw

us into the meshes of soul-ruining error."—

The Biblical Illustrator,

St. James, page 159.

Illustration:

A skeptic acquaintance of a Christian

minister of note wrote a letter offering to

lend him the infidel works of Paine and Vol-

taire. The minister replied, thanking him,

[14

but pointing out that he had not yet done

with reading Moses and the prophets.

Reading the word and practicing the

Christian life is a full-time occupation.

For Further Study:

God's word should be stored in the

mind.

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 460.

Character is developed by obedience to

the word.

The Desire of Ages,

pages 126,

314;

Gospel Workers,

page 250.

We are to claim every promise in the

word.

Gospel Workers,

page 100.

The Bible does not teach extreme views.

Gospel Workers,

page 90.

Ineffective service may be caused by

failure to study the word.

Counsels to Par-

ents, Teachers, and Students,

page 441.

The Bible and the Bible alone should

be heard from the pulpit.

Prophets and

Kings,

page 626.

We have much more to learn from the

Bible.

Gospel Workers,

page 251;

Funda-

mentals of Education,

page 474.

Daily study and prayerful contempla-

tion of Bible necessary.

Testimonies, vol.

5, pp. 573-579.

Lesson 5, for January 31, 1953

The Perpetuity of the Prophetic Gift

MEMORY VERSE:

"Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established;

believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper." 2 Chron. 20:20.

STUDY HELP:

"The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church," chapter 5.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson.

Questions 1, 2; memorize

2 Chron 20:20.

Questions 3-5.

Questions 6, 7; read study help

assignment.

Questions 8-11.

Questions 12, 13.

Review the entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

The Medium of the Prophetic Gift.

In pre-Christian days God commu-

nicated through priests, elders,

angels, prophets. Gen. 14:18; 16:

7; Ex. 3:16; Gen. 20:7.

Enoch was a prophet. Jude 14.

Abraham was a prophet. Gen. 20:

1-7.

Jacob prophesied on his death-

bed. Gen. 49:1.

Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jer-

emiah, Daniel were among Is-

rael's prophets.

2. The apostles revered the messages of

the prophets. Rom. 1:2.

3. In the Christian Era the various

gifts of the Holy Spirit came

through men, and prophecy was

one of these gifts. Eph. 4:8, 11.

The church waiting for the advent

has the gifts of the Spirit. 1 Cor.

1:7; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.

Key Thoughts:

There is but one Spirit. Eph. 4:4.

There are "diversities of gifts" from

this one Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:4.

The Holy Spirit of 1 Corinthians 12 is

the same as "the Spirit of Christ which was

in them" (the prophets of old). 1 Peter 1:11.

The greatest spiritual outpouring of all

time is prophesied for the last days. Joel 2:

28, 32;

Christ's Object Lessons,

page 121.

Every true member of the church in

the last days is to do pentecostal things for

God.

Testimonies, vol.

7, p. 33.

"The theme of prophecy is Jesus. It is

not certain future events, dark or bright,

presented to the view of the curious and

speculative; it is Jesus; earthly events and

[ 15 ]

hopes and fears only as linked with Him.

(H. H. Bonar,

D.D.)"—Biblical Illustrator,

on Revelation, page 551.

"He [the Christian] is not at liberty to

turn from them [the Scriptures] to learn his

duty through any of the gifts. We say that

the very moment he does, he places the gifts

in a wrong place, and takes an extremely

dangerous position. The word should be in

front, and the eye of the church should be

placed upon it, as the rule to walk by, and

the fountain of wisdom, from which to learn

duty in 'all good works.' "—James White,

Review and Herald,

Feb. 28, 1856.

"Seventh-day Adventists have but one

Bible. That is the one foundation of faith

and doctrine. The church is built upon

Christ, and all its doctrine upon the living

word. All spiritual gifts are gifts to the

church that is built upon the word. These

gifts are to minister the word of God to us,

and to lead us into the Scriptures, which are

our one rule of faith.

"That has always been the teaching in this

advent movement. In the first little booklet

issued by James White, our early leader

(who became the husband of Ellen G..Har-

mon), he wrote, in 1847: 'The Bible is a

perfect and complete revelation. It is our

only rule of faith and practice.'—A

Word to

the Little Flock,

page 13."—William A.

Spicer,

The Spirit of Prophecy in the Advent

Movement,

page 29.

THE LESSON

The Medium



In the Days of the Patriarchs

1. After sin entered the world, what



3. Who was one of the earliest

were some of the agencies God used prophets mentioned in the Bible?

to indicate His will to men?



Jude 14.

ANSWER: Through the priesthood. Gen.

14 : 18.

Through angels. Gen. 16:7.

Through prophets. Gen. 20:7.

Through elders. Ex. 3:16.

Through ministers. Ex. 24:13.

NoTE.—"It has always been part of the

system of the divine government to employ

men

as instruments for the conveyance of

heavenly truth and blessing to the world at

large. Whether it be as the announcers of the

revealed message, as the writers of the in-

spired Scripture, as the official representa-

tives of God in matters relating to the atone-

ment, or as teachers and guides of the people,

human instruments have been employed."

—R. B. Girdlestone,

Synonyms of the Old

Testament,

page 238.

2. What were some of the distinc-

tive names given to those who ex-

ercised the prophetic gift?

ANSWER: They were known as prophets

(1 Sam. 9:9), seers, (1 Chron. 26:28), mes-

sengers (Mal. 3:1), spokesmen (Ex. 7:1,

4 : 16) .

NOTE.—"Through holy angels, God re-

vealed to Enoch His purpose to destroy the

world by a flood, and He also opened more

fully to him the plan of redemption. By the

spirit of prophecy He carried him down

through the generations that should live

after the Flood, and showed him the great

events connected with the second coming of

Christ and the end of the

world."—Patri-

archs and Prophets,

page 85.

In the Genesis story the first recorded act

of a prophet was that he should pray or

intercede for another. The expression in the

text, "And he shall pray for thee," is ren-

dered by Moffatt, "And he will intercede for

you." Hence part of the work of a prophet

is intercession.

4. Under what circumstances did

God endorse the prophetic gift of

Abraham? Gen. 20:1-7.

NoTE.—"The psalmist refers to this chap-

ter [Genesis 201 in Abraham's experience

when he says . . . God 'reproved kings for

their sakes, saying, Touch not Mine anointed,

[ 16 ]

"HOLY MEN OF GOD SPAKE

AS THEY WERE MOVED

BY THE HOLY GHOST"

and do My prophets no harm.'

"—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 131.

On what occasion did Jacob ex-

ercise the prophetic gift? Gen. 49:1.

NOTE.—"At the last, all the sons of Jacob

were gathered about his dying bed. And

Jacob called unto his sons, and said, 'Gather

yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of

Jacob ; and hearken unto Israel your father,'

`that I may tell you that which shall befall

you in the last days.' Often and anxiously he

had thought of their future, and had en-

deavored to picture to himself the history of

the different tribes. Now as his children

waited to receive his last blessing, the Spirit

of inspiration rested upon him; and before

him in prophetic vision the future of his

descendants was unfolded. One after an-

other, the names of his sons were mentioned,

the character of each was described, and the

future history of the tribe was briefly f ore-

told."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 235.

"Through patriarchs and prophets . . . a

long line of inspired prophecy pointed to the

advent of 'the Desire of all nations.'

"—

Prophets and Kings,

page 697.

In the Days of the Israelites

Who were some of the men in

the days of Israel who were designated

as prophets?

ANSWER: Moses. Deuteronomy 18:15.

Elijah. 1 Kings 18:36.

Elisha. 2 Kings 6:12.

Isaiah. 2 Kings 20:1.

Jeremiah. Jeremiah 29:1.

Daniel. Matthew 24:15.

NoTE.—"From the earliest times, prophets

had been recognized as teachers divinely ap-

pointed. In the highest sense the prophet

was one who spoke by direct inspiration,

communicating to the, people the messages

he had received from God. But the name

was given also to those who, though not so

directly inspired, were divinely called to in-

struct the people in the works and ways of

God."—Education,

page 46.

In the New Testament what em-

phasis is given to the fact that God

revealed Himself through prophets

in Old Testament days? Rom. 1:2;

Acts 3:18; Heb. 1:1.

In the Days of the Apostles

How was this gift perpetuated

in the days of the apostles, and what

instances are recorded of the manifes-.

tation of the prophetic gift in the

apostolic church? Eph. 4:8, 11; Acts

13:1; 11:27, 28; 15:32; 21:10, 11.

NOTE.—"A

particular prediction of a

fam-

ine approaching, delivered by one of these

prophets, his name Agabus ; we read of him

again prophesying Paul's imprisonment, ch.

21:10, 11. Here he stood up . . . and proph-

esied. . . . What he said was not of him-

self, ... but

he signified it by the Spirit, the

Spirit of prophecy."—Matthew

Henry, An

Exposition of the Old and New Testament,

on Acts 11:27, 28.

What definite counsel from the

Lord shows that the prophetic gift is

a permanent possession of the church?

1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11-13.

NOTE.—"The church which He [Christ]

founded was a church in which prophecy

[17

]

was to be a continuous possession."—G. C.

Joyce,

The Inspiration of Prophecy,

page

139.

" 'When He, the Spirit of truth, is come,

He will guide you into all truth: ... and He

will show you things to come.' John 14:26;

16:13. Scripture plainly teaches that these

promises, so far from being limited to apos-

tolic days, extend to the church of Christ in

all ages."—The

Great Controversy,

Intro-

duction, page viii.

It is the purpose of God that these gifts

remain in the church "till we all come into

the unity of the faith [marginal reading] ;"

"unto a perfect man;" "unto the measure of

the stature of the fullness of Christ."

10.

What symbol of the church of

God further illustrates the importance

of the various gifts? 1 Cor. 12:12-31.

NoTE.—"In this body there are various

members, and one member cannot perform

exactly the same office as another. The eyes

are made for seeing, and in no case can they

perform the work of the ears, which is that

of hearing; neither can the ears take the

place of the mouth, nor the mouth perform

the office of the nose. Yet all these organs

are necessary to the perfect whole and work

in beautiful harmony with one another."—

Testimonies,

vol. 4, page 128.

11.

In this connection what are we

told that a prophet was formerly

called? 1 Sam. 9:9. Compare Isa. 1:1.

NoTE.—The word rendered "seer" means

in the Hebrew one who sees, and hence rep-

resents a prophet who in vision sees clearly

the purpose and message of God.

In the Days of the Remnant

12.

Might we conclude, then, that

God's plan provides for the prophetic

gift to be seen in the remnant church?

1 Cor. 1:7; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.

NOTE.—"In His providence the Lord has

seen fit to teach and warn His people in var-

ious ways. By direct command, by the Sacred

Writings, and by the spirit of prophecy

has He made known unto them His will."

—Testimonies,

vol. 4, pp. 12, 13.

"In ancient times God spoke to men by

the mouth of prophets and apostles. In these

days He speaks to them by the

Testimonies

of His Spirit. There was never a time when

God instructed His people more earnestly

than He instructs them now concerning His

will and the course that He would have them

pursue."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 148 (1948

ed., pp. 147, 148)..

13.

What counsel given centuries

ago by Jehoshaphat is good counsel

for the church today? 2 Chron. 20:20.

NOTE.—"The errors and wrongdoings in

the lives of professed Christians are recorded

for the instruction of those who are liable to

fall into the same temptations. The experi-

ence of one serves as a beacon light to warn

others of the rocks of danger.

"Thus are revealed the 'snares and devices

of Satan, the importance of perfecting Chris-

tian character, and the means by which this

result may be obtained. Thus God indicates

what is necessary to secure His blessing."--

Testimonies,

vol 4, p. 13.

"Of special value to God's church on earth

today—the keepers of His vineyard—are the

messages of counsel and admonition given

through the prophets who have made plain

His eternal purpose in behalf of mankind.

In the teachings of the prophets, His love

for the lost race, and His plan for their sal-

vation, are clearly

revealed."—Prophets and

Kings,

page 22.

14.

What further counsel indicates

that there were prophetic gifts in the

Christian church? 1 Thess. 5:20.

NOTE:—"In order that one may 'quench

not the Spirit,'—the Holy Spirit, who has

moved upon and inspired the prophets of all

ages,—the apostle Paul enjoins the believers

to 'despise not prophesyings.' In order to

avoid deception by a subtle conuterfeit, he

adds the injunction: 'Prove all things; hold

fast that which is good.' "—A. G. Daniells,

The Abiding Gift of Prophecy,

page 264.

[ 18 ]

Illustration:

Many years ago a traveler in a stagecoach

was publicly criticizing the Bible. He finally

asserted that everything on prophecy in the

Book was written long after the events took

place. A minister, who had hitherto kept

silent, quietly said, "Sir, I must beg leave to

mention one remarkable prophecy as an ex-

ception: 'Knowing this

first,

that there shall

come in the last days

scoffers.'

It is one thing to know, but another and

greater is to believe. "Believe His prophets,

so shall ye prosper."

Lesson 6, for February 7, 1953

The Prophetic Gift

MEMORY VERSE:

"And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, second-

arily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings,

helps, governments, diversities of tongues." 1 Cor.

12:28.

STUDY HELP:

"The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church," chapter 6.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson.

Questions 1-3.

Questions 4,5; memorize

Cor. 12:28.

Questions 6, 7; read study help

assignment.

Questions 8-10.

Questions 11-13.

Review the entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

I. The Author of the Gift.

God bestows the gifts according to

His own will. 1 Cor. 12:11, 18, 28;

Heb. 2:4.

Christ spoke through the prophets.

1 Peter 2:11 ;

Patriarchs and

Prophets,

pages 366, 367.

II. The Names of the Gift and

the Messages.

Three names usually used for the

gift of prophecy are:

"The gift of prophecy." 1 Cor.

13:2.

"The spirit of prophecy." Rev.

19:10.

"The testimony of Jesus." Rev.

19:10.

2. The names used for the messages of

the prophets are:

"Prophecy" or "prophecies."

Chron. 9:29; 1 Cor. 13:8.

"The word of God." 1 Sam. 9:27.

"The Lord's message." Haggai

1:13.

"Testimonies." 2 Kings 17:15

"Counsel." Isa. 44:26.

"Burden." Jer. 23:33.

III. The Manifestations of the Gift.

Men and women were used as

prophets. 2 Peter 1:21.

Among the prophetesses named are

these:

Miriam. Ex. 15:20.

Deborah. Judges 4:4.

Hannah. 1 Samuel 1 and 2 ;

Pa-

triarchs and Prophets,

pages 571,

572.

Huldah. 2 Kings 22:14.

Isaiah's wife. Isa. 8:3.

Anna. Luke 2:36;

The Desire of

Ages,

page

55.

Elizabeth. Luke 1:41, 42.

The four daughters of Philip.

Acts 21:8, 9.

IV. The Nature of the Gift.

Prophets are often mediators be-

tween God and men. Gen. 20:7.

Prophets are spokesmen for God.

Ex. 4:16.

Prophets are instructors in the law

and ways of God. Jer. 32:33.

Prophets are reprovers of sin, ex-

horters to repentance. 2 Kings

17:13.

[19

THE LESSON

"It was He who gave to Moses the law

engraved upon the tables of stone.

"It was Christ that spoke to His people

through the prophets. The apostle Peter,

writing to the Christian church, says that the

prophets 'prophesied of the grace that should

come unto you, searching what, or what

manner of time the

Spirit of Christ

which

was in them did signify, when it testified be-

forehand the sufferings of Christ, and the

glory that should follow.' It is the voice of

Christ that speaks to us through the Old

Testament. 'The testimony of Jesus is the

spirit of prophecy.'

"—Patriarchs and Proph-

ets,

pages 366, 367.

The Author

How are the gifts of the Spirit

distributed? 1 Cor. 12:8, 11.

NoTE.—Observe the expressions, "dividing

to every man severally as He will," "to one

is given by the Spirit," et cetera. All the

children of God may enjoy the "fellowship

of the Spirit" (Phil. 2:1) ; we may experience

the "unity of the Spirit" (Eph. 4:3) ; and

may even reveal the "fruit of the Spirit"

(Eph. 5:9). But the

gifts

belong to the Lord.

We cannot determine their disposal; that is

the prerogative of God. He "divideth" to

every man according to His own plan and

purpose.

How was this thought impressed

upon both leaders and people in Old

Testament days? Ps. 105:14, 15; Neh.

9:30.

NOTE.—God's prophets were called "My

prophets" (Ps. 105:15), "Thy prophets"

(Neh. 9:30), "His" prophets (Rev. 10:7).

Furthermore, the Spirit which came upon

them was "the Spirit of

Christ"

(1 Peter 1:

11), "the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Sam. 23:2),

the "Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:21). When the

prophets testified, they declared it was "Thy

Spirit" (Neh. 9:30) ; God declared it was

"My Spirit" (Isa. 59:21).

Whether in Old Testament or in

New Testament days, who was it that

spoke through the holy prophets?

1 Peter 1:11.

NoTE.—Referring to the words of this

text, the

International Critical Commentary

remarks, "The words must be accepted quite

frankly. Christ was in the prophets, and

from Him came their inspiration."

"It was the Son of God that gave to our

first parents the promise of redemption. It

was He who revealed Himself to the patri-

archs. . . .

The Names

4. What are some of the names by

which the prophetic gift is mentioned

in the Scriptures of truth? Rev. 19:10;

1 Cor. 13:2.

5. By what expressions were the

messages which came through the

prophets of God known?

ANSWER: Prophecy. 2 Chron. 15:8.

Testimonies. 2 Kings 17:15.

The word of God. 1 Sam. 9:27.

The Lord's message. Haggai 1:13.

Counsel. Isa. 44:26.

The writing. 2 Chron. 35:4.

NOTE.—While the term "testimonies" is

used many times of the "tables of the testi-

mony," referring to the Ten Commandment

law, it is used on many occasions to desig-

nate the messages of the prophets. This can

be seen in Neh. 9:26, 30, 34 ; 2 Kings 17:13,

15 ; 2 Chron. 24:19. Then there is in the

New Testament the expression, "the testi-

mony of Jesus," also the interpretation of

this term, "the spirit of prophecy." Rev.

19:10.

The Manifestation

6. Through whom did the Holy

Spirit manifest the prophetic gift?

2 Peter 1:21.

[

20]

"DIVERSITIES OF GIFTS

By THE SAME SPIRIT."

NOTE.—The word

anthropos

in the Greek

is a generic term including both men and

women. It usually happened that more men

than women were called to the prophetic

office. Hence we find prophets referred to

as "son of man," or "man of God."

"It was a new thing in Israel for a woman

to speak in the name of God.... The people

felt that sagacity like hers [Deborah's] and

a spirit so sanguine and fearless must be the

gift of Jehovah; it was the inspiration of the

Almighty that gave her understanding."—

Expositor's Bible,

Judges, and Ruth, pages

95, 96.

Who were some of the women

whom God called and on whom the

prophetic gift was bestowed?

ANSWER: Miriam. Exodus 15:20.

Deborah. Judges 4:4.

Huldah. 2 Kings 22:14.

Anna. Luke 2:36.

Four daughters of Philip. Acts 21:8, 9.

Whose counsel was sought con-

cerning the book of the law in the

days of Josiah? 2 Kings. 22:14.

NOTE.—"This is a most singular circum-

stance: At this time

Jeremiah

was certainly

a prophet in Israel, but it is likely he now

dwelt at

Anathoth,

and could not be readily

consulted;

Zephaniah

also prophesied under

this reign, but probably he had not yet

begun; Hilkiah

was

high priest,

and the

priest's lips should retain knowledge.

Shaphan

was

scribe,

and must have been

conversant in sacred affairs to have been at

all fit for his office ; and yet

Huldah

a proph-

etess, of whom we know nothing but by this

circumstance, is consulted on the meaning of

the book of the law; for the secret of the

Lord was neither with

Hilkiah

the high

priest,

Shaphan

the scribe, nor any other of

the

servants

of the king, or

ministers

of the

temple!

We find from this, and we have

many facts in all ages to corroborate it, that

a pontiff, a pope, a bishop, or a priest, may,

in some cases, not possess the true knowledge

of God ; and that a simple

woman

possessing

the life of God in her soul, may have more

knowledge of the divine testimonies than

many of those whose office it is to explain

and enforce them."—Adam Clarke,

Com-

mentary,

on 2 Kings 22:14.

What was the work of a prophet

of the Lord as indicated in the earliest

reference to a prophet in the Bible?

Gen. 20:7.

NoTE.—Reference was made to this ex-

perience in the last week's lesson, but it is

referred to again to emphasize the important

thing Abraham was called upon to do, and

that was to "intercede" for Abimelech. It is

significant that in the first reference to the

work of a prophet, we find him in the role

of a mediator or intercessor.

10.

In the second reference to a

prophet in the Holy Scriptures, what

characteristic is particularly empha-

sized? Ex. 7:1; 4:16.

NorE.—In the one text we observe that

Aaron is called a prophet. Notice the form

of the expression "Aaron . . . shall be thy

prophet" (Ex. 7:1) ; in the other text, "he

shall be thy spokesman" (Ex. 4:16). Here

the prophet is a spokesman for another, and

in this case, he is a spokesman for God.

Matthew Henry remarks: "Aaron ... was

. . . a notable spokesman: 'He shall be

thy

prophet,'

that is, 'he shall speak from thee to

Pharaoh, as prophets do from God to the

[ 21 ]

children of men.'

"—An Exposition of the

Old and New Testaments,

on Exodus 7:1.

The Nature of the Gift

11.

What other purpose did the

prophets serve? Jer. 29:19; 32:33.

NoTE.—"The name [prophet] was given

also to those who, though not so directly in-

spired, were divinely called to instruct the

people in the works and ways of God."—

Education,

page 46.

12.

What evidence is given that

part of the work of God's prophets

was to reprove sin, to urge repentance

and the keeping of the law? 2 Kings

17:13; Ezek. 14:6.

NOTE.—"Through His prophets He had

sent to His chosen people message after mes-

sage of earnest entreaty,—messages that had

been despised and rejected by the ten tribes

of the kingdom of Israel, now given over to

the enemy. But in Judah there remained a

goodly remnant, and to these the prophets

continued to appeal. Hear Isaiah urging,

`Turn ye unto Him from whom the children

of Israel have deeply revolted.' Hear Micah

declaring with confidence: 'I will look unto

the Lord; I will wait for the God of my sal-

vation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not

against me, 0 mine enemy: when I fall, I

shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord

shall be a light unto me. . . .

"These and other like messages revealing

the willingness of God to forgive and accept

those who turned to Him with full purpose

of heart, had brought hope to many a faint-

ing soul in the dark years when the temple

doors remained closed; and now, as the lead-

ers began to institute a reform, a multitude

of the people, weary of the thralldom of sin,

were ready to

respond."—Prophets and

Kings,

pages 333, 334.

"The prophets continued to protest against

these evils, and to plead for rightdoing."—

Ibid.,

p. 282.

13.

What earnest warning did the

Lord give to Israel in the days of

Jeremiah? Jer. 26:4-6.

NOTE.—"A refusal to heed the invitation

of mercy that God was now offering would

bring upon the impenitent nation the judg-

ments that had befallen the northern king-

dom of Israel over a century before. The

message to them now was: 'If ye will not

hearken to Me, to walk in My law, which I

have set before you, to hearken to the words

of My servants the prophets, whom I sent

unto you, both rising up early, and sending

them, but ye have not hearkened; then will

I make this house like Shiloh, and will make

this city a curse to all the nations of the

earth.'

"—Prophets and Kings,

page 415.

"In every age prophets had lifted up their

voices against the sins of kings, rulers, and

people, speaking the words which God gave

them, and obeying His will at the peril of

their lives. From generation to generation

there had been heaping up a terrible punish-

ment for the rejecters of light and truth.

This the enemies of Christ were now draw-

ing down upon their own heads. The sin

of the priests and rulers was greater than

that of any preceding generation. By their

rejection to the Saviour, they were making

themselves responsible for the blood of all

the righteous men slain from Abel to Christ.

They were about to fill to overflowing their

cup of iniquity."—The

Desire of Ages,

pages

618, 619.

Illustration:

In the year 1808 a grand performance of

Haydn's

Creation

was given in Vienna. The

composer, now an old man making his last

appearance, was wheeled in, and a young

royal princess took a seat beside him. As the

tremendous crescendo "And there was light !"

was reached, the audience, hitherto sup-

pressed, exploded into unusual applause. The

old man was too feeble to enter into it all,

but as they applauded and shouted for him,

he made a superhuman effort and rose. Then

he cried, "No, no ! not from

me,

but"—

pointing to heaven—"from heaven above

comes all !"

Do you accept God's gift to His church

as a heaven-sent blessing?

For Further Study:

The prophet as a foreteller of divine

purposes.

Prophets and Kings,

page 464.

On the work of Ellen G. White.

Testi-

monies,

vol. 4, pp. 12, 13,

232.

Messages for today.

Testimonies,

vol.

4, p. 148; vol. 8, p. 298.

[ 22 ]

Lesson 7, for February 14, 1953

The Testimony of Jesus-The Spirit of Prophecy

MEMORY VERSE: "I

am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the

testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of

prophecy." Rev. 19:10.

STUDY HELP:

"The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church," chapter 7.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson.



4. Questions 5, 6;. read, study help

Questions 1, 2; memorize



assignment.

Rev. 19:10.



5. Questions 7, 8.

Questions 3,



6. Questions 9-11.

7. Review the entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

The Testimony of Jesus.

A characteristic of the remnant

church. Rev. 12:7.

This term means "the spirit of

prophecy." Rev. 19:10.

"Testimony" is used as follows:

Of the Decalogue. Ex. 31 : 18.

Of the laws of Moses. 2 Kings

23:3.

Of a man's legal word. Deut. 19:

16, 18.

Of the messages of the prophets.

2 Kings 17:5.

Of Christ's revelations to His

people. 1 Cor. 1:6; 2 Tim. 1:8.

II. The Spirit of Prophecy-

Is the Spirit which indites the proph-

ecy. Rev. 19:10.

Is a safeguard to the church. Isa.

8:20;

Testimonies,

vol. 8, p. 298.

Key Phrases:

1: "The testimony of Jesus."

Found twice in Authorized Ver-

sion, both in Rev. 19:10.

Found three times in form of

"testimony of Jesus Christ."

Rev. 1:2, 9; 12:17.

Also found once as "witness of

Jesus." Rev. 20:4.

Similar expressions, "testimony of

Christ" (1 Cor. 1:6), and "testi-

mony of our Lord" (2 Tim.

1:8).

2. "The spirit of prophecy."

Found once only in Bible. Rev.

19:10.

It is the Spirit inditing the proph-

ecy, as distinct from the gift

bestowed, but they are insepar-

ably connected.

The term is well known in Jewish

and Christian writings.

3. "Worship God."

No man is to be worshiped, not

even a prophet, but God alone.

Rev. 19:10, first part; Ex. 20:3.

Key Thoughts:

"Worship God." We are to worship

neither the gift nor the recipient, but God

the Giver. Compare Matthew 4:10 "Thou

shalt worship the Lord thy God." We thank

God for the gifts and for the messengers,

but we worship only Him.

"The testimony of Jesus." This is the

voice of Jesus speaking through the prophets

both before and after the cross. The apostle

Peter speaks of "the spirit of Christ which

was in them" in relation to the Old Testa-

ment prophets, and His Spirit spoke through

and beyond New Testament days.

[ 23 ]

THE LESSON

NoTE.—"The voice of God was heard by

the prophets whom He had appointed to a

special work and to bear a special message.

He sent them to repeat the same words over

and over again. He had a message prepared

for them that was not after the ways and

will of men, and this He put in their mouths

and had them proclaim. He assured them

the Holy Spirit would give them language

and

utterance."—Testimonies to Ministers,

page 405.

The Spirit of Prophecy

6. What expressions in the word

of God apply to the prophetic gift?

The Testimony of Jesus

What is mentioned as one of

the vital characteristics of the rem-

nant church? Rev. 12:17; 14:12.

NoTE.—Observe that in addition to "the

patience of the saints," "the commandments

of God," "the faith of Jesus," there is also

"the testimony of Jesus Christ."

What attitude of Job and of

Paul is fitting for God's people today?

Job 23:5; Eph. 5:17.

NoTE.—"As the end draws near and the

work of giving the last warning to the world

extends, it becomes more important for those

who accept present truth to have a clear un-

derstanding of the nature and influence of

the

Testimonies,

which God in His provi-

dence has linked with the work of the third

angel's message from its very

rise."—Testi-

monies, vol. 5,

p. 654.

What other terms similar in

form to "the testimony of Jesus" are

used in the Sacred Writings?

ANSWER:

"Testimony of Christ." 1 Cor.

1:6.

"Testimony of our Lord." 2 Tim. 1:8.

"Witness of Jesus." Rev. 20:4.

"Testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev.

1:2.

What are some of the ways the

word

testimony

is used in the Bible?

ANSWER:

God "testified" against His peo-

ple. 2 Kings 17:13 ; Jer. 42:19 (margin) ;

Neh. 9:26, 30.

God "testified" through His prophets. 2

Chron. 24:19; 2 Kings 17:13.

God "testified" by His

testimonies to the

church.

2 Kings 17:15; Neh. 9:34.

How is the testimony of Jesus

given to the church, and what is its

purpose? Rev. 1:1, 2.

ANSWER:

The

"word

of prophecy." 2

Peter 1:19.

The

gift

of prophecy. 1 Cor. 13:2 ; Eph.

4:8,11.

"The

spirit

of prophecy." Rev. 19:10.

These three expressions are closely related.

One might consider the

gift

to be the quality

or grace bestowed; the

spirit

to be the divine

force which actuates the prophet; the

word,

the message from God through the prophet

to the church.

The fruit of the Spirit is available to all

the children of God, but the gifts are be-

stowed by God upon whomsoever He

chooses. We are privileged to have the fruit;

we may be chosen for the gift. "All power

is given into His hands, that He may dis-

pense rich gifts unto

men."—Testimonies to

Ministers,

page 92.

7. Even though used but once in

the Bible, is there evidence that the

term "spirit of prophecy" might have

been known or been in current use

in New Testament days?

ANSWER:

The Jewish Encyclopedia

uses

it: "The visible results of the activity of the

Holy Spirit, according to the Jewish concep-

tion, are the books of the Bible, all of which

have been composed under its inspiration.

All the prophets spoke 'in the Holy Spirit;'

and the most characteristic sign of the pres-

ence of the Holy Spirit is the gift of proph-

ecy, in the sense that the person upon whom

it rests beholds the past and the future .



The Holy Spirit is at times identified with

[ 24 ]

" WE HA E NOTHING TO FEAR

FOR THE FUTURE, EXCEPT AS

SHALL FORGET THE

WAY

THE

LORD

HAS LED

us:'

the spirit of prophecy."—Vol. 6, p. 449.

Matthew Henry's

commentary uses it con-

cerning:

Deborah, vol. 2, p. 140; Huldah, vol. 3,

p. 116; Agabus, vol. 8, p. 667; Elisabeth,

vol. 7, p. 587; Simeon, vol. 7, p. 603 ; and

Anna, vol. 7, p. 605 (Robert Carter & Broth-

ers edition).

What expression in the Apoca-

lypse shows unmistakingly the mean-

ing of the term "testimony of Jesus"?

Rev. 19:10.

NOTE.—What we have in this verse is a

divine interpretation. If we ask John what

he means by the expression, without shadow

of doubt he replies, "The testimony of Jesus

is the spirit of prophecy." This interpreta-

tion is confirmed by comparing this verse

with Rev. 22:9. Compare such phrases as:

Rev. 19:10

"See thou do it not."

"Worship God."

"I am thy fellow servant."

"Thy brethren that have the testimony of

Jesus."

Rev. 22:9

"See thou do it not."

"Worship God."

"I am thy fellow servant."

"Thy brethren the prophets."

Hence it must be clear to all that it is

God's servants the prophets that have "the

testimony of Jesus." In the light of this it

is not difficult to understand why it is called

"the spirit of prophecy."

A Safeguard to the Church

To what are we commended as

a safeguard against deception? Isa.

8:20.

NorE.—"God has spoken to us through

His word. He has spoken to us through the

testimonies to the church." "We must follow

the directions given through the spirit of

prophecy."—Testimonies,

vol. 8, p. 298.

10.

By what means did God guide

and preserve ancient Israel? Hosea

12:13.

NOTE.—"God desired to make of His peo-

ple Israel a praise and a glory. . . . Their

obedience to the law of God would make

them marvels of prosperity before the na-

tions of the world. . . . In the most definite

manner Christ through Moses had set before

them God's purpose, and had made plain the

terms of their prosperity."—Christ's

Object

Lessons,

page 288.

11.

What admonition and promise

given to Israel is good counsel for the

church today? 2 Chron. 20:20.

NOTE.—"We have nothing to fear for the

future, except as we shall forget the way the

Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past

history."—Life

Sketches,

page 196.

Illustration:

Henry Ward Beecher used to tell the story

of how, in the early days of railroads, a pre-

caution against accidents was taken. As a

train was about to start, the brakeman on

the last car would shout, "All right here !"

The next brakeman would hear him and

shout, "All right here !" So the call went

along till it reached the conductor, who then

knew all was ready to go.

When the church through the ages has

heard the messages of God's servants; all

has been well. Can you say today, "All right

here !" ?

[ 25

Lesson 8, for February 21, 1953

The Relationship of the Spirit of Prophecy to the Bible

MEMORY VERSE:

"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according

to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isa. 8:20.

STUDY HELP:

"The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church," chapter 8.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson.

Questions 1, 2; memorize Isa. 8:20.

Questions 3-5.

Questions 6, 7; read study help

assignment.

Questions 8, 9.

Questions 10, 11.

Review the entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

The Word of God.

Its supreme authority.

The testimony of the Scriptures.

The testimony of the Reforma-

tion.

The testimony of the spirit of

prophecy.

The testimony of the church.

2. Its successive revelations.

The pentateuch.

The prophets.

The writings.

The New Testament.

II. The Testimony of Jesus.

It exalts the Bible.

It points to the Bible.

It amplifies the Bible.

It simplifies the Bible.

Key Thoughts:

The Bible is inspired in its teaching, ex-

pressed in the language of godly men. The

hundreds of copies of originals accepted by

the Christian church contain inspired doc-

trine and counsel, preserved by God's provi-

dence.

God's word is supreme, unique, con-

taining God's complete message of salvation

for all men.

The messages of the spirit of prophecy

never replace, change, or modify the mes-

sages of Scripture. They expound, magnify,

and beautify all that the word has taught.

They lighten the pathway of the remnant

church.

THE LESSON

Nom.—The German princes at the Diet

of Spires declared, " 'There is no sure doc-

trine but such as is conformable to the word

of God.... The Lord forbids the teaching of

any other doctrine. .. . The Holy Scriptures

ought to be explained by other and clearer

texts; . . . this Holy Book is, in all things

necessary for the Christian, easy of under-

standing, and calculated to scatter the dark-

ness.'

"—The Great Controversy,

page 203.

The Word of God

1. What testimony is borne regard-

ing the word of God as being the

standard of doctrine and conduct?

2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Isa. 8:20; Acts 17:11;

Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.

2. How have Christian people dem-

onstrated their loyalty to the prin-

ciples of the word of God? Rev. 12:11.

3. What testimony has been borne

by the pioneers of the Seventh-day

[ 261

Adventist Church concerning the

word of God and the gift of proph-

ecy?

ANSWER:

This was well expressed by

James White, one of the early pioneers of

the advent cause.

"Every Christian is therefore in duty

bound to take the Bible as a perfect rule of

faith and duty. He should pray fervently to

be aided by the Holy Spirit in searching the

Scriptures for the whole truth, and for his

whole duty. He is not at liberty to turn from

them to learn his duty through any of the

gifts. We say that the very moment he does,

he places the gifts in a wrong place, and

takes an extremely dangerous position. The

word should be in front, and the eye of the

church should be placed upon it, as the rule

to walk by, and the fountain of wisdom,

from which to learn duty in 'all good works.'

But if a portion of the church err from the

truths of the Bible, and become weak, and

sickly, and the flock become scattered, so

that it seems necessary for God to employ

the gifts of the Spirit to correct, revive, and

heal the erring, we should let Him work."

—Review and Herald,

April 21, 1851.

Its Successive Revelations

Into what recognized parts might

we regard the Holy Scriptures as

being divided? Luke 24:44; John 20:

30, 31.

NOTE.—These

recognized parts of the

Holy Scriptures are "the law of Moses" (the

Pentateuch) ; "the prophets;" and "the

psalms" (holy writings) ; and the New

Testament. Together they constitute the

Holy Scriptures we have today.

What Scriptural evidence shows

that these parts of the oracles of God

are intimately and harmoniously re-

lated? Luke 24:27, 32, 44, 45.

NoTE.—Jesus considered the three sections

of the Old Testament as a united whole. The

New Testament books are also considered

"Scriptures." See 2 Peter 3:16. Observe the

emphasis on the word

other

in this text.

We might consider each succeeding reve-

lation as amplifying or enlarging the one

which preceded it; for instance, the prophets

called attention to the law of Moses and con-

siderably amplified the message of Moses.

The New Testament does the same for the

entire Old Testament.

The Testimony of Jesus

Who were some of the prophets

whose writings were not included in

the Old Testament Scriptures?

ANSWER:

Nathan the prophet. 2 Chron.

9:29.

Gad the seer. 1 Chron. 29:29.

Iddo the prophet. 2 Chron. 13:22.

Jehu the prophet. 2 Chron. 20:34.

If God had divinely appointed prophets

who gave messages to. His people in olden

days, whose messages were not in any way

a part of the Holy Scriptures, might not God

have such a prophet today?

What is the attitude of Mrs.

White's writings to the Bible?

ANSWER:

Exalt the Holy Scriptures.

"The

Testimonies

are not to belittle the

word of God, but to exalt it and attract

minds to it, that the beautiful simplicity of

truth may impress

all."—Testimonies, vol.

p. 606.

[

27 ]

How do the writings of Ellen G.

White stress the inspiration of the

Bible?

ANSWER:

"I recommend to you, dear

reader, the word of God as the rule of your

faith and practice. By that word we are to

be judged. God has, in that word, promised

to give visions in the

'LAST DAYS;'

not for a

new rule of faith, but for the comfort of His

people, and to correct those who err from

Bible truth."—Early

Writings,

page 78.

(Written in 1851.)

NOTE.—"The

Testimonies

of His Spirit

call your attention to the Scriptures."—

Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 674.

"The written testimonies are not to give

new light, but to impress vividly upon the

heart the truths of inspiration already re-

vealed."—Ibid., p. 665.

"The word of God abounds in general

principles for the formation of correct habits

of living, and the testimonies, general and

personal, have been calculated to call their

attention more especially to these principles."

—Ibid.,

vol. 4, p. 323.

What can be named as another

important point in this relationship?

ANSWER:

They amplify the Scriptures.

NoTE.—Just as the writings of the proph-

ets amplified and enlarged the truth taught

by Moses; just as the New Testament opens

up and enriches the teaching of the Old

Testament, so the messages through the spirit

of prophecy beautify, enlarge, and enrich

our understanding of the divine oracles.

Mrs. S. M. I. Henry forcefully expressed

this in the following lines:

"The manifestation of the power of the

Spirit of God was as clear as sunlight; and in

that light I saw the Testimony, as simply a

lens

through which to look at the truth. It

at once grew from a lens to a telescope,—a

perfect, beautiful telescope, subject to all the

telescopic conditions and limitations,—direc-

ted toward the field of the heavens,—that

field,

the Bible.

Clouds may intervene be-

tween it and a heaven full of stars,—clouds

of unbelief, of contention; Satan may blow

tempests all about it; it may be blurred by

the breath of our own selfishness; the dust of

superstition may gather upon it; we may

meddle with it, and turn it aside from the

field; it may be pointed away toward empty

space ; it may be turned end for end, so that

everything is so diminished that we can rec-

ognize nothing. We may change the focus

so that everything is distorted out of all har-

monious proportions, and made hideous; it

may be so shortened that nothing but a great

piece of opaque glass shall appear to our

gaze. If the

lens

is mistaken for the

field,

can receive but a very narrow conception of

the most magnificent spectacle with which

the heavens ever invited our gaze; but in its

proper office as a medium of enlarged and

clearer vision,—as a

telescope,—the

Testi-

mony has a wonderfully beautiful and holy

office.

"Everything depends upon our relation to

it and the use which we make of it. In itself

it is only a glass through which to look, but

in the hand of the divine Director, properly

mounted, set at a right angle, and adjusted

to the eye of the observer, with a field clear

of clouds, it will reveal

truth

such as will

quicken the blood, gladden the heart, and

open a wide door of expectation."—Gospel

of Health,

January, 1898, vol. 2, No. 1, pp.

27, 28.

10.

What can be regarded as still

another vital phase of this relation-

ship?

ANSWER:

The Testimonies simplify the

word of God.

NoTE.—"Additional truth is not brought

out; but God has through the

Testimonies

simplified the great truths already given and

in His own chosen way brought them before

the people to awaken and impress the mind

with them, that all may be left without ex-

cuse."—Testimonies, vol.

2, p. 605.

11.

How might this relationship be

further expressed?

ANSWER:

Mrs. White very beautifully

stated her work in thd following words:

"Little heed is given to the Bible, and the

Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and

women to the greater

light."—Colporteur

Evangelist,

page 37.

NoTE.—An important thing to remember

[

28]

is that first of all we are to prove the pro-

phetic gift. Then having settled in our hearts

that it is of God, it in turn helps us better

to understand the divine word. It is effec-

tual in "the perfecting of the saints" and

"the edifying of the body of Christ."

Illustration:

"Harmony makes small things grow; lack

of it makes great things decay." The har-

mony between the Bible and the spirit of

prophecy through Mrs. White have been the

means of blessing and upbuilding this cause.

Lesson 9, for February 28, 1953

The Church's Relation to the Prophets

MEMORY VERSE:

"Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all

things; hold fast that which is good." I Thess. 5:19-21.

STUDY HELP:

"The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church," chapter

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson.

Questions 1-3; memorize

Thess. 5:19-21.

Questions 4-6.

Questions 7, 8; read study help

assignment.

Questions 9-11.

Questions 12-14.

Review the entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

The Tests of the Gift.

False prophets necessitate careful in-

vestigation.

John 4:1.

Miracles no proof of genuineness.

Luke 7:28; John

10:41.

God, Christ, and the law of God are

exalted by the true prophet. Deut.

13:1-4; 1

John 4:2, 3; Isa. 8:20.

God's prophets warn of danger. Acts

11:27-30.

II.

The Purpose of the Gift.

To direct, unify, and edify the

church. John 14:26; Eph. 4:12, 13.

To inspire the church to do God's

work. Acts 10:9, 10; 16:9.

THE LESSON

Tests of the Gift



2. What should be our attitude

to the church in the last days? Matt.

7:15; 24:11.

1. What warning has been given sent from God? Jer. 7:25; 2 Chron.

toward the counsels of the prophet

20:20; Eph. 3:5.

Num.-This warning given by the Sav-

iour is applicable to His church until the end.

The warning is not against "prophets," but

against "false prophets." This would cer-

tainly indicate that there would be "true

prophets" also.

3. What will be one vital feature

in the teachings of the messengers of

the Lord? Prov. 29:18; Dan. 9:10, 11;

Rev. 12:17.

[ 29 ]

NoTE.—"Now, as then, ... He sounds the

note of warning, and reproves sin just as

faithfully as in the days of Jeremiah."—

Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 165.

To His remnant people God "has revealed

His will, and of them He requires

obedi-

ence."—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 10.

General Tests

In harmony with the counsel of

God, what attitude should the church

take toward those professing to have

the gift of prophecy? 1 Thess. 5:19-

21; 1 John 4:1.

Nom.—"We are to try the spirits by the

tests which God has given us in His word."

—Early Writings,

pages 141, 142.

What indication is given in the

Scriptures that the working of mir-

acles is not in itself a sign of the true

prophetic gift? Deut. 13:1-3; Matt.

24:24; Rev. 13:13, 14.

What example is given that

proves a true prophet does not neces-

sarily perform miracles? Luke 7:28;

John 10:41.

Physical Tests

What are some of the physical

characteristics of God's prophets when

in vision, as recorded in the Scrip-

tures?

ANSWER:

Lose all natural strength. Dan.

10:8.

Receive supernatural strength. Dan 10:

18.

Eyes are open in vision. Num. 24:16.

Do not breathe. Dan. 10:17.

God controls the tongue. 2 Sam. 23:2.

Unconscious of surroundings. 2 Cor.

12:2-4.

What physical manifestations in

the experience of Ellen G. White

when in vision correspond to those

recorded in the Bible?

ANSWER:

"The physical manifestations in

many of her visions correspond to the ex-

perience of the prophets of old. We refer to

the physical manifestations under which

many of these visions were given, similar to

the experience of Daniel and other prophets

of the Old Testament.

"We do not, however, regard these physi-

cal manifestations as the principal convinc-

ing evidences of the divine call to Mrs. White.

Rather, they constitute subsidiary or con-

tributing evidences."—F. M. Wilcox, in

Re-

view and Herald,

Jan. 19, 1950.

Spiritual Tests

Enumerate some of the charac-

teristics of a true prophet.

ANSWER:

Exalts the true God. Deut.

13:

1-4.

Confesses Christ came "in the flesh."

1 John 4:2, 3.

Teaches in harmony with the law of

God. Isa. 8:20.

Known by their fruits. Matt. 7:15-20.

Warns of dangers. Acts 11:27-30.

At times writes testimonies before time

comes for delivery. 2 Chron. 21:12,

margin.

[30

]

NOTE.—"The great proof of her [Ellen G.

White's] call to divine ministry was shown

in the answer of her work to prophetic pre-

diction; in the spirit which characterized her

ministry throughout the years; in the cor-

respondence of her teachings to those of the

Bible; in the marked manner in which she

was used of God to save His church in many

crises; and by the fruit her ministry bore

through all the years of her earthly life and

which is still appearing as a result of her

labors."—F. M. Wilcox, in

Review and

Herald,

Jan. 19, 1950.

The Purpose

10.

What might be considered as

important features in the work of the

Holy Spirit in the church?

ANSWER: To teach. John 14:26, first part.

To guide. John 16:13, first part.

To testify. John 15:26.

To remind. John 14:26, last part.

To reprove or convict. John 16:8.

To reveal. John 16:13.

11.

What are the gifts to accom-

plish for the church of Christ?

ANSWER: To perfect the saints. Eph. 4:

12, first part.

To preserve against false doctrine. Eph.

4:14.

To preserve the unity of the faith. Eph.

4:12, 13.

To ensure prosperity. 2 Chron. 20:20.

12.

What ,outstanding examples

may be cited of how God used the

prophets to bring messages of counsel

and warning to individuals? 2 Sam.

12:1-7; Acts 21:10, 11.

13.

What were some experiences

where the spirit of prophecy gave di-

rection concerning the course of ac-

tion to be followed?

ANSWER: In the choice of Saul. Acts 9:10.

In carrying the gospel to the Gentiles.

Acts 10:19, 20.

In opening work in specific areas. Acts

16:9.

14.

In the light of these considera-

tions, to what counsel should we take

heed? 1 Thess. 5:19-21.

Illustration:

A great American preacher used

simple

illustration of God's guidance of His church.

A child is in a boat with his father, and

wants to do the rowing. The father knows

that the child's knowledge of the coast and

currents and the art of rowing are inade-

quate. Yet he wants his child to row. He

gives the boy the oars and himself takes the

rudder. The boy's rowing is uneven, for he

has not learned to hold in his stronger right

arm and to exert fully his left. So the boat

tends to be pulled around. But the strong

hand of the father is on the rudder, and he

keeps to the right course by rectifying the

mistakes of his offspring.

Do you see how, through the ages, the true

prophets of God have guided the church

through her mistakes and wanderings to the

haven of safety?

For Further Reading:

On the inspiration of a true prophet, S.

N. Haskell, quoted in

Divine Predictions

Fulfilled,

by F. C. Gilbert, page 29.

On Mrs. White's visions,

The Prophetic

Gift, by J.

N. Loughborough, pages 40-43.

THIRTEENTH

SABBATH OFFERING

March 28, 1953—Far Eastern Division

[ 31 ]

Lesson 10,

for March 7, 1953

The Nature of the Church of Christ

MEMORY VERSE: "Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; . . .

that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or

wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

Eph. 5:25-27.

STUDY HELP: "The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church," chapter 10.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson.



5. Questions 9, 10; read study help

Questions 1, 2; memorize Eph.



assignment.

5:25-27.



6. Questions 11-13.

Questions 3-5.



7. Review the entire lesson.

Questions 6-8.

The Definition

1. As the children of God, with

what is it our privilege to be con-

nected? 1 Cor. 12:13;

Acts 2:47.

Lesson Outline:

The

Definition of the Church.

Believers who have heard God's call.

Local and general groups. 1 Cor.

1:2;

Eph. 5:25.

II. The Scope of the Church.

Multitudes of the human family on

earth in all ages.

Myriads of angels in heaven. Heb.

12:22;

Testimonies, vol. 7,

p. 31.

Ill. The Foundation of the Church.

Christ is the foundation. 1 Cor. 3:

11;

Thoughts From the Mount of

Blessing,

page 216.

The apostles and prophets shared in

the building. Eph. 2:20.

The Symbols of the Church.

An army with armor and a captain.

2 Tim. 2:3, 4 ; Heb. 2:10.

A flock with a shepherd. Luke 12:

32 ; Ps. 23:1.

A temple of living stones. Eph. 2:21,

22; 1 Peter 2:5.

A vine. Isaiah 4:7.

The body of Christ. Rom. 12:4, 5.

The Order and Unity of the Church.

An orderly, harmonious organiza-

tion. 1 Cor. 14:40;

Testimonies to

Ministers,

page 26;

The Desire of

Ages,

page 680.

The Hope of the Church.

1. The blessed hope of Christ's return.

Titus 2:11-13.

THE LESSON

19:39, 41. To us, however, with its associ-

ated words, it means "the church of God"

(Acts 20:28), "the churches of Christ"

(Rom. 16:16), "the church of the living

God." (1 Tim. 3:15).

NoTE.-a. We are added

and are bap-

tized

into

the church; hence each member

becomes an integral part of the mystical

body of Christ.

The Greek word

ekklesia,

rendered

"church," means "called out." This word

applies to any kind of assembly. See Acts

2. In what two

senses can the word

church

be understood? Matt. 16:18;

1 Cor. 1:2.

NOTE.-The word church is used in a

local

as well as a

general

sense. In Matthew 16:

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18; 18:17 reference is made to the church at

large, irrespective of location; it means the

church in all the world. In 1 Corinthians

1:2 and many other like scriptures, it refers

to a specific local church, such as the one in

Corinth, or in Paris, or in Washington. Fur-

ther, it might mean a small as well as a

large group of believers. Note the expres-

sion, "the church that is in their house." 1

Cor. 16:19.

The Scope

What use of the term "church"

in the Scriptures shows that it is not

limited in application to the Christian

dispensation? Acts 7:38; Heb. 12:22,

23.

NOTE.—"The church of God below is one

with the church of God above. Believers

on the earth and the beings in heaven . . .

constitute one church. Every heavenly in-

telligence is interested in the assemblies of

the saints who on earth meet to worship

God. In the inner court of heaven they listen

to the testimony of the witnesses for Christ

in the outer court on

earth."—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 366.

The Foundation

Who is the foundation of the

church of God? 1 Cor. 3:11; 10:4.

NorE.—God is spoken of as the Rock

many times in the Old Testament. "He is

the Rock," Deut. 32:4. He is "the Rock of

Ages," Isa. 26:4, margin. Referring to the

"angel of the Lord," the Father said, "My

name is in Him" (Ex. 23:20, 21) ; so the

Rock of the Old Testament is the Christ of

the New Testament, "and that Rock was

Christ."

"Christ, the word, the revelation of God,

—the manifestation of His character, His

law, His love, His life,—is the only founda-

tion upon which we can build a character

that will

endure."—Thoughts From the

Mount of Blessing,

pages 213, 214.

How are we to understand the

Saviour's expression, "upon this Rock

I will build My church"? Matt. 16:18.

NOTE.—"Human

power and human might

did not establish the church of God, and

neither can they destroy it. Not on the rock

of human strength, but on Christ Jesus, the

Rock of Ages, was the church founded, 'and

the gates of hell shall not prevail against

it.'

"—Prophets and Kings,

pages 595, 596.

"Jesus continued: 'I say also unto thee,

That thou art Peter, and upon this Rock I

will build My church ; and the gates of hell

shall not prevail against it.' The word Peter

signifies a stone, a rolling stone. Peter was

not the rock upon which the church was

founded."—The

Desire of Ages,

pages 412,

413.

Who were associated with Christ

in the building up of His church on

earth? Eph. 2:20; Rev. 21:14.

NOTE.—"Christ

is represented as dwelling

in His people. Believers are represented as

`built upon the foundation of the apostles

and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the

Chief Cornerstone.'

"—Testimonies, vol. 5,

pp. 291, 292 (1948 ed., p. 291).

The Symbols

In connection with the figure of

the temple, how are Christ and His

people represented in its construc-

tion? 1 Peter 2:4-6.

[ 33 ]

NOTE.—"Christ crucified is the foundation

laid by apostles and prophets in their preach-

ing; Christ glorified is the crowning com-

pletion of the whole structure. We begin

with Christ; we end in Christ. The temple

starts with Christ, and as it rises tier by tier

it is growing up to Christ. Christ, the Head

of the body and the Chief Cornerstone of

the church, is both the supreme authority

and the perfect glory of His people."—The

Pulpit Commentary,

on Epistle to the Ephe-

sians, page 103.

By what other symbols has the

Lord illustrated the work of His

church? 2 Tim. 2:3, 4; Heb. 2:10;

John 10:14.

NOTE.—"The church of Christ may be

fitly compared to an

army."—Testimonies,

vol. 5, p. 394.

"Clad in the armor of Christ's righteous-

ness, the church is to enter upon her final

conflict."—Prophets and Kings,

page 725.

"As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep,

so does the divine Shepherd know His flock

that are scattered throughout the world.

`Ye My flock, the flock of My pasture, are

men, and I am your God, saith the Lord

God.'

"—Gospel Workers,

page 181.

The Order

How has the Lord indicated that

proper arrangements should charac-

terize His church on earth? 1 Cor.

14:40.

Nora.—"Order is the law of heaven, and

it should be the law of God's people on the

earth."—Testimonies to Ministers,

page 26.

"Christ designs that heaven's order,

heaven's plan of government, heaven's di-

vine harmony, shall be represented in His

church on earth."—The

Desire of Ages,

page

680.

10.

What are some of the illustra-

tions given in the Scriptures concern-

ing order in the church?

ANSWER: In the plan for leaders of dif-

ferent rank. Ex. 18:21; Eph. 4:11.

In the plan for the encampment of

Israel. Num. 10:1-6.

In the organization of the early church.

1 Cor. 12:28.

In the ordaining of ministers and offi-

cers. Titus 1:5; Acts 13:1.

The Unity

11.

What is that divine principle

which binds the members of the

church together in true fellowship?

Rom. 5:5; Gal. 5:13; Heb. 13:1.

12.

What is God's ultimate pur-

pose for His church? Eph. 4:3-5,

12, 13.

The Hope

13.

What is the blessed hope of the

church of God? Titus 2:11-13.

NOTE.—"One of the most solemn and yet

most glorious truths revealed in the Bible is

that of Christ's second coming, to complete

the great work of redemption. To God's

pilgrim people, so long left to sojourn in

`the region and shadow of death,' a precious,

joy-inspiring hope is given in the promise of

His appearing, who is 'the resurrection and

the life,' to 'bring home again His banished.'

The doctrine of the second advent is the

very keynote of the Sacred Scriptures."—

The Great Controversy,

page 299.

"The coming of the Lord has been in all

ages the hope of His true followers. The

Saviour's parting promise upon Olivet, that

He would come again, lighted up the future

for His disciples, filling their hearts with joy

and hope that sorrow could not quench nor

trials dim. Amid suffering and persecution,

`the appearing of the great God and our

Saviour Jesus Christ' was the 'blessed

hope.'

"—Ibid.,

p. 302.

Illustration:

Samuel Smiles wrote the phrase which has

been used in many a home and office, "A

[ 34

place for everything, and everything in its

place."

It has a great meaning for the church, ap-

plying to its physical arrangements, and par-

ticularly to its membership.

"Order governs the world. The devil is the

author of confusion," said Dean Swift.

Are you in your place in the Advent

Movement, keeping rank, marching for-

ward for God?

For Further Reading:

God's regard for His church.

Christ's

Object Lessons,

pages 165, 298 (1923 ed., pp.

168, 301) ;

Prophets and Kings,

page 590;

Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 42.

The church throughout the ages.

The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 12.

The church on earth and in heaven.

Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 366; vol. 7, p. 31.

The final exaltation of the church.

The

Desire of Ages,

page 26.

Lesson 11, for March 14, 1953

The Organization of the Church of Christ

MEMORY VERSE:

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether

we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free." 1 Cor. 12:13.

STUDY HELP:

"The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church," chapter

11.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson.

Questions 9,

10;

read study help

Questions 1-3.

assignment.

Questions 4-6.

Questions 11, 12.

Questions 7, 8; memorize

Review the entire lesson.

1 Cor. 12:13.

The Leadership

1. Under what type of leadership

does the church of Christ succeed in

its mission? Ex. 18:21, first part; Acts

6:3; 1 Tim. 3:1-4, 6, 7.

Lesson Outline:

I. Its Consecrated Leadership.

Able, God-fearing, blameless men

truth. Ex. 18:21 ; 1 Tim. 3:1-4.

Unswervingly loyal to principle.

Education,

page 57.

II. Its Related Organizations.

The local churches. See 1 Peter 5:

13; Rev. 3:7, et cetera.

The provincial churches. Titus 1:5;

The Acts of the Apostles,

pages

91, 92.

Its Distributed Responsibilities and

Activities.

Deacons to attend to business of

church. Acts 6:1-6.

Letters and visiting brethren to keep

churches together. Acts 15:23-25 ;

2 Cor. 8:18, 19.

IV.

Its Unified Action.

Co-operation in Israel and in church

of Christ. Neh. 3:1, 2 ; 2 Cor. 6:1.

Sympathetic relations. Rom. 12:10.

V. Its Bond of Love.

The love of God for the individual

is primary and basic. Eph. 2:4.

Christ's love for the church is su-

preme. Eph. 5:25.

THE LESSON

NOTE.-"The greatest want of the world

is the want of men,-men who will not be

bought or sold; men who in their inmost

souls are true and honest; men who do not

fear to call sin by its right name; men whose

conscience is as true to duty as the needle

[ 35 ]

to the pole; men who will stand for the

right though the heavens

fall."—Education,

page 57.

What was the first step taken by

Jesus in the organization of the early

church? Mark 3:13, 14.

NOTE.—"It was at the ordination of the

Twelve that the first step was taken in the

organization of the church that after Christ's

departure was to carry on His work on the

earth.



"Look upon the touching scene. Behold

the Majesty of heaven surrounded by the

Twelve whom He has chosen. He is about

to set them apart for their work. By these

feeble agencies, through His word and Spirit,

He designs to place salvation within the

reach of all.

"With gladness and rejoicing, God and the

angels beheld this scene. The Father knew

that from these men the light of heaven

would shine forth; that the words spoken

by them as they witnessed for His son,

would echo from generation to generation

till the close of time."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

pages 18, 19.

How did the church appoint

leaders to carry responsibility? Acts

14:23; 1 Tim. 3:8.

NoTE.—"Officers were appointed in each

church, and proper order and system was

established for the conduct of all the affairs

pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the be-

lievers."—I bid., p. 185.

Without organization no institution or

organization can prosper. A nation without

organized government would soon be in

chaos. A business enterprise without organ-

ization would fail. So it would be with the

church. Without organization it would dis-

integrate.

The Subsidiary Organizations

As the church extended its con-

quests, what developments became

necessary in its organization? Ex. 18:

21, last part; Acts 15:23, 41.

NOTE.—In apostolic times the church was

organized into groups known as the tens, the

fifties, the hundreds, and the thousands, even

as Israel had been in the days of Moses.

As the work grew, it became necessary to

have not only local churches, but groups of

local churches. Note the expressions: "the

churches of Judea," Gal. 1:22 ; "the churches

of Macedonia," 2 Cor. 8:1; "the saints which

are in all Achaia," 2 Cor.

"The Lord in His wisdom has arranged

that by means of the close relationship that

should be maintained by all believers, Chris-

tian shall be united to Christian, and church

to church. Thus the human instrumentality

will be enabled to co-operate with the divine.

Every agency will be subordinate to the

Holy Spirit, and all the believers will be

united in an organized and well-directed ef-

fort to give to the world the glad tidings

of the grace of

God."—The Acts of the

Apostles,

page 164.

What evidences do we have of

the distribution of church responsi-

bilities in the early days? Acts 6:1-3;

Gal. 2:7.

How have the principles of both

Old and New Testament organization

been exemplified in the advent move-

ment?

ANSWER: In Israel there were organiza-

tions of tens, each with its leader; of fifties

with their leaders; of hundreds, each with its

own director; then of the thousands over

which were rulers or princes. These were re-

sponsible, the smaller to the larger, the lead-

ers of tens to the leaders of fifties, the leaders

of fifties to the leaders of hundreds, the hun-

dreds to thousands, and the thousands to the

leaders of the general body. Might we see a

parallel to this in the Adventist Church, with

the tens representing the churches, the fifties

the conferences, the hundreds the unions,

and the thousands the divisions, all being

supervised by the General Conference?

"The division of the General Conference

into District Union Conferences was God's

arrangement."—Testimonies,

vol.

8, pp.

232,

233

(1948 ed., p. 232).

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Business Activities

How was the business of the

church, such as selection of officers

and plans for the work, carried for-

ward in the apostolic days? 2 Cor.

8:18, 19; Acts 14:23.

NOTE.—Observe the expression "chosen of

the churches." In the other text we see Paul

ordaining elders in the churches. Rother-

ham's and Weymouth's translations indicate

how this was done, "appointing unto them

by vote in each assembly [elders]." "They

selected elders by show of hands."

"Tell it to the church, and let action be

taken."—Testimonies,

vol. 5, p. 617.

"Every member of the church has a voice

in choosing officers of the

church."—Testi-

monies,

vol. 8, p. 236.

"The church chooses the officers of the

state conferences. Delegates chosen by the

state conferences choose the officers of the

union conferences; and delegates chosen by

the union conferences choose the officers of

the General Conference. By this arrange-

ment every conference, every institution,

every church, and every individual, either

directly or through representatives, has a

voice in the election of the men who bear the

chief responsibilities in the General Confer-

ence."—Testimonies,

vol. 8, pp. 236, 237.

What plan was followed con-

cerning the delegation from local

churches to larger councils of the

church? Acts 15:1, 2, 6.

NoTE.—In this council there was a chair-

man ; there were delegates, and an action

was adopted to be sent to the churches.

Verses 13, 19, 23. Voting was done in much

the same manner as we vote today. The

Greek word rendered "chosen" in 2 Corin-

thians 8:19 and "ordained" in Acts 14:23

means lifting up or stretching out the hand.

Concerning the council at Jerusalem we

read:

"The entire body of Christians was not

called to vote upon the question."—The

Acts

of the Apostles,

page 196.

"The council which decided this case was

composed of apostles and teachers who had

been prominent in raising up the Jewish and

Gentile Christian churches, with chosen

delegates from various places."—/bid.

Working Together

What experience in the Old

Testament church illustrates how

members may work together? Neh.

3:1, 2; 1 Chron. 12:33, 38.

NOTE.—In Nehemiah 3 observe the ex-

pressions "next unto him" and "after him"

used nearly thirty times.

"Each man became a Nehemiah in his

turn, and helped to make stronger the heart

and hand of his

neighbor."—Prophets and

Kings,

page 638.

10.

How is this thought of unity

in service emphasized in the apostolic

church? 2 Cor. 6:1; 1 Cor. 3:9.

NOTE.—It is well to meditate on these and

similar expressions: "being knit together in

love" (Col. 2:2), "striving together for the

faith of the gospel" (Phil. 1:27), "workers

together with Him" (2 Cor. 6:1), "helping

together by prayer" (2 Cor. 1:11), "we are

laborers together" (1 Cor. 3:9).

[ 37 ]

Sympathetic Relationships

11.

What is to be the relationship

of members toward one another in the

church of Christ? Rom. 12:10; 1

Thess. 2:8.

NOTE.—The words "kindly affectioned"

and "affectionately desirous" are the only

instances in the New Testament of the use

of these words in their original Greek form.

But they show the deep love of the apostle

for the believers; they indicate also the re-

lationship which should obtain in the church

today.

In all church relationships, in discussions,

in plans, in service, one important guiding

principle should be recognized. We are not

independent of one another; we are part of

the living church; each member must con-

sider the result of his actions on other mem-

bers of the church.

"We must consider the relation that each

worker sustains to the other workers con-

nected with the cause of God.... We must

not bar the mind against counsel. In our

plans for the carrying forward of the work,

our mind must blend with other minds."—

Testimonies to Ministers,

page 500.

"They should defer their individual judg-

ment to the judgment of the body of the

church."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 18.

"All these [differences] may be avoided

if self is surrendered to God and the fol-

lowers of Jesus obey the voice of the church."

—Ibid.,

p. 19.

Christ's Love for His Church

12.

How is the love of Christ for

His church expressed? Jer. 31:3; Eph.

2:4.

NOTE.—"I' testify to my brethren and

sisters that the church of Christ, enfeebled

and defective as it may be, is the only object

on earth on which He bestows His supreme

regard."—Testimonies to Ministers,

page 15.

13.

To what extent did Christ love

His church? Eph. 5:25.

NOTE:—"Christ is present in every assem-

bly of the church. He is ecquainted with

everyone connected with His service. He

knows those whose hearts He can fill with

the holy oil, that they may impart it to

others. Those who faithfully carry forward

the work of Christ in our world, represent-

ing in word and works the character of God,

fulfilling the Lord's purpose for them, are

in His sight very precious. Christ takes

pleasure in them as a man takes pleasure in

a well-kept garden and the fragrance of the

flowers he has

planted."—Testimonies,

vol.

6, p. 419 (1948 ed., pp. 418, 419).

14.

What is Christ's ultimate stand-

ard for His church? Eph. 5:27.

Illustration:

Billy Bray, the famous Cornish preacher,

lived among the tin miners. He was preach-

ing to a large group of them, and told the

story of two mines, one very prosperous, the

other very poor.

"Suppose I work at the poor one. The

hours are long, the wages are poor," he is

reported as saying. "On payday I go to the

rich mine, but they remind me I do not

work there, and I must go for wages where

I find my work. 'Oh,' I say, don't like the

wages there; I like your wages better !' Will

they pay me their wages if I don't do their

work?"

Turning suddenly on his congregation,

Billy Bray said, "You must serve Christ here

if you want His reward by and by !"

Are you working together with your fel-

lows in the church of Christ on earth?

For Further Reading:

On the need for unity today.

Testi-

monies,

vol. 9, pp. 257, 258;

Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 376;

The Desire of Ages,

page 680.

On democratic action in the church.

Testimonies,

vol. 8, pp. 236, 237;

The Acts

of the Apostles,

pages 196, 197.

[ 38 ]

Lesson 12, for March 21, 1953

Leadership in the Church of Christ

MEMORY VERSE:

"Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men,

such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over

them." Ex.

18:21.

STUDY HELP:

"The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church," chapter

12.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson.

Questions 9, 10; read study help

Questions 1-3.

assignment.

Questions 4, 5; memorize Ex.

Questions

11, 12.

1 8:2 1.

Review the entire lesson.

4. Questions 6-8.

Lesson Outline:

The Call to Leadership.

God calls men through the Holy

Ghost. Acts 20:28.

First step in organization of church

was ordination of twelve apostles,

who were comparable to twelve

patriarchs.

The Acts of the Apos-

tles,

page 18;

The Desire of Ages,

p. 291.

II. The Requisites of Leadership.

Spiritual rectitude and fear of God.

Ex. 18:21; 1 Cor. 13:1;

The Min-

istry of Healing,

page 37.

Loving directors. Rom. 12:8.

III. The Responsibilities of Leadership.

They must feed with truth, and lead

unselfishly. 1 Peter 5:1, 2.

They must do all for the perfecting

and edifying of the saints. Eph.

4:11, 12.

IV. The Relationships of Leaders.

True leaders are servants of all.

Mark 10:42, 43 ; 1 Peter .5:3.

They will contend for principles, but

not against individuals.

THE LESSON

The Call



"chief" is in other places rendered "judge"

1. What provision for leadership

and "governor."

did God make in the apostolic church?



What were some of the terms

1 Cor. 12:28.



used to designate the leaders of the

apostolic church? Eph.

4:11; Acts

20:28.

NoTE.-Besides apostles, et cetera, God

provided for "governments." The Greek

word used here means steering or directing,

and is translated by Moffatt "administra-

tors," and by Weymouth "powers of organ-

ization." It is evident that Paul directed the

churches, 1 Cor. 7:17; 16:1; also that he

directed the workers, 1 Cor. 4:17; Eph. 6:

21-23. The thought of direction is indicated

also in the term "overseers," Acts 20:28 ;

"chief men," Acts 15:22. The word rendered

NorE.-Various terms were used, as elders,

deacons, overseers, chief men, pastors, teach-

ers, evangelists, et cetera. The term "elder"

was applied to two groups of men-those

like Paul the apostle, and the group of local

elders. The former were ordained by the

church at large, and could serve the church

in all the world. The latter were ordained

[39

]

by action of and for the local church, which

ordination qualified them to serve in that

local sphere.

3. What principles enter into the

choice of leaders in the church of

Christ? Acts 6:3-6.

NoTE.—Leaders in the church were not

appointed by those holding higher office in

the church; neither were they alone ap-

pointed by the church members. The Sev-

enth-day Adventist Church believes that

both ministry and laity should share in the

responsibility of electing leaders. This is

Biblical, as will be seen:

In the choice of the seven. Peter said to

the church, "Look ye out." Following this,

"they chose" and later the apostles ap-

pointed. Acts 6:3, 5, 6.

In the ordination of local elders. Re-

ferring again to Acts 14:23, we see that Paul

counseled with the church; and the church,

in selecting the elders, voted concerning them

by the uplifted hand.

Sometimes God calls the individual di-

rectly, as He did in the case of Paul; even

then the individual so called is brought into

touch with the church. Acts 9:4, 6, 17. Later,

the church says Amen to this call of God:

this was seen in the decision to ordain. Acts

13:1-3.

The Requisites

4. What spiritual qualifications

does the Lord require of leaders in

His work? Ex. 18:21; Acts 6:3.

NOTE.—These scriptures should be prayer-

fully pondered by every leader in the church.

On the expression "hating covetousness," the

Menge translation of the German Bible

reads,

"Men who cannot be bought or sold

with bribes."

What kind of men does the Lord

desire His leaders to be?

ANSWER: Men of courage. Acts 15:25, 26.

Men of conviction. 1 Chron. 12:32.

Men who work with steady purpose.

2 Cor. 8:10, 11.

Men who speak well of their fellow la-

borers as did Paul. 1 Cor. 16:10, 11.

Men of just judgment. Deut. 16:18-20.

This is God's counsel to those who sit on

committees, men who have to make deci-

sions.

NoTE.—Josiah G. Holland has well said:

"God give us men. A time like this de-

mands

Strong minds, great hearts, true faith,

and ready hands!

Men whom the lust of office does not

kill,

Men whom the spoils of office cannot

buy,

Men who possess opinions and a will,

Men who have honor, men who will

not lie."

How are leaders warned against

independence in judgment? Prov. 24:

6. Compare 1 Chron. 13:1.

Nora.—"We must move discreetly, sensi-

bly, in harmony with the judgment of God-

fearing counselors; for in this course alone

lies our safety and

strength."—Testimonies,

vol. 9, p. 257.

The Responsibilities

What responsibilities rest upon

those who are called to leadership?

1 Peter 5:2, 3; Rom. 12:8.

[

40]

NOTE.—In the one text Peter speaks of

"taking the oversight;" in the other Paul

speaks of him "that ruleth." Ruling in the

church is different from what it is in the

world. The true leader does not stay behind

and push, but, like the faithful shepherd, he

will go before and guide the sheep. He will

not urge the church to do anything he is not

willing to do himself ; he will take the initia-

tive and show the way. The true leader in

the church will also "feed the flock of God."

What should be the ultimate

objective of church leadership? Eph.

4:11, 12.

NoTE.—The idea in these texts is that the

objective of the gifts of leadership is the per-

fecting of God's people. Such was Paul's

goal. Col. 1:28. This will be accomplished

quite largely by leading believers into fruit-

ful avenues of missionary endeavor. Rother-

ham in his translation of Ephesians 4:12

gives, "with a view to the fitting of the saints

for the work of ministering," and Wey-

mouth's translation is, "in order fully to

equip His people for the work of serving."

This is the solemn responsibility of leader-

ship.

"There should be a well-organized plan

for the employment of workers to go into all

our churches, large and small, to instruct

the members how to labor for the upbuild-

ing of the church and also for unbelievers.

It is training, education, that is needed."—

Testimonies,

vol. 9, p. 117.

"The leaders in God's cause, as wise gen-

erals, are to lay plans for advance moves all

along the line. In their planning they are to

give special study to the work that can be

done by the laity for their friends and neigh-

bors."—Testimonies,

vol. 9, pp. 116, 117.

What will be the final test of

successful leadership? 1 Cor. 3:13, 14.

NoTE.—It is important that genuine, solid

work be done, care being taken to see that

the work does not ravel out.

The Relationships

10.

What counsel does the Lord

give concerning the relation of church

members to the leaders of the church?

1 Thess. 5:13; Heb. 13:7, 17.

NOTE.—"There have ever been in the

church those who are constantly inclined

toward individual independence. They seem

unable to realize that independence of spirit

is liable to lead the human agent to have too

much confidence in himself and to trust in

his own judgment rather than to respect the

counsel and highly esteem the judgment of

his brethren, especially of those in the offices

that God has appointed for the leadership of

His people. God has invested His church

with special authority and power, which no

one can be justified in disregarding and de-

spising; for he who does this despises the

voice of

God."—The Acts of the Apostles,

pages 163, 164.

11.

What instruction does God

give as to the relation the leaders sus-

tain to the members of the church?

Mark 10:42-44; 1 Peter 5:3.

NoTE.—The apostle states that "we

showed ourselves gentle when among you as

a nursing mother cherishing her own chil-

dren." 1 Thess. 2:7, Weymouth.

12.

What example did Jesus, the

Great Shepherd of the sheep, leave

to His undershepherds? Matt. 14:14;

Mark 1:41; Luke 7:13; Matt. 9:36.

NoTE.—Christ the Lord in His contacts

with the people was deeply touched with

their spiritual and physical needs. Notice

that He "was moved with compassion to-

ward them"—in a time of hunger, in a time

of sickness, in a time of death, and in a time

of spiritual need.

"He left His heavenly home to seek for us.

Shall we not become His undershepherds, to

seek for the lost and straying? Shall we not

reveal in our lives His divine tenderness and

compassion

?"—Testimonies,

vol. 9, p. 54.

[ 41 ]

Illustration:

Phocion, the Athenian general and states-

man, was advancing to defend the coasts

ravaged by Nucion. Many of his Athenian

followers, however, were impertinent and

offered him gratuitous and dictatorial advice.

"Well, well!" he exclaimed, "how many

generals we have, and how few soldiers!"

Are you a good soldier, or are you a would-

be "general"?

For Further Reading:

Leadership is not dependent on wealth

or learning, but on humility and spirituality.

The Ministry of Healing,

page 37.

Leadership is not love of office, but a

call from God. Eph. 4:11.

We should move discreetly, in harmony

with God-fearing leaders.

Testimonies,

vol.

257.

Lesson 13, for March 28, 1953

The Objectives of the Church of Christ

MEMORY VERSE:

"Go ye therefore, and make disciples (or, Christians) of all

nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of

the Holy Ghost." Matt. 28:19, margin.

STUDY HELP:

"The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church," chapter 13.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

General survey of the lesson.

Questions 1, 2; memorize

Matt. 28:19.

Questions 3, 4; read study help

assignment.

Questions 5-7.

Questions 8-11.

Questions 12, 13.

Review the entire lesson.

Christ and His Church

How does Jesus regard His

church on earth? Eph. 5:25, 29.

Lesson Outline:

Work for the

World.

preaching the gospel, in exalting

Christ, in winning souls for God.

II.

Comfort for the Church.

In worship, in fellowship, in unity.

III.

Service Through the Church.

missionary effort, in financial re-

sponsibility, in concerted action.

Key Thoughts:

1. "Go ye." The great imperative of the

gospel is to go to others with it.

"Preach the gospel." Preaching includes

every form of missionary endeavor.

"Teaching all nations." Making clear

by precept and example the joys of the

Christian way of life.

"Baptizing them." The goal of all

Christian endeavor.

"All power is given unto Me." The rea-

son why the church is to go to all the world

and win souls for Christ.

"In the name . . S." The New Testa-

ment church was on fire with the blessed

name of Jesus.

THE LESSON

NOTE.—"God has a people in which all

heaven is interested, and they are the one

object on earth dear to the heart of God."

—Testimonies to Ministers,

page

41.

[ 42 1

How intimate is our relationship

with Jesus through the church? Eph.

5:30, 32.

NOTE.—"It [the church] is the theater of

His grace, in which He delights to reveal His

power to transform hearts."—The

Acts of

the Apostles,

page 12.

What is the plan of God for

carrying the gospel message to all the

world? Mark 16:15.

NOTE.—This is by preaching, 1 Cor. 1:21;

by publishing, Isa. 52:7 ; by witnessing, Acts

26:22. This calls for announcing or telling

the gospel both publicly and privately, and

not only so, but

living

as well as

preaching

the truth. Rom. 2:21; 1 Cor. 9:27.

Who is to be the center of all

our preaching? 1 Cor. 1:23; 2:2.

NOTE.—Our preaching is to be Christ-

centered; every truth radiates from Him.

In our witness for God, Christ is to be "mag-

nified," Phil. 1:20; He is to be glorified, 1

Cor. 6:20; He is to be "all, and in all," Col.

3:11. We are to preach:

"Christ crucified, Christ risen, Christ

ascended into the heavens, Christ coming

again. . . .

"Lift up Jesus, you that teach the people,

lift Him up in sermon, in song, in prayer.

Let all your powers be directed to pointing

souls, confused, bewildered, lost, to the

Lamb of

God.' "—Gospel Workers,

pages

159, 160.

What is the supreme objective

in all the efforts of the church of God?

Matt. 28:19.

NoTs.—God's purpose is that we "seek

and . . . save that which was lost" (Luke

19:10), and that we seek to "catch men"

(Luke 5:10). "He that winneth souls is

wise." Prov. 11:30. Notice the encouraging

promise to soul winners. "They that turn

many to righteousness [shall shine] as the

stars." Dan. 12:3.

"Our greatest burden should be . . . the

salvation of

souls."—Testimonies,

vol. 9, p.

85.

"The conversion of souls to God is the

greatest, the noblest work in which human

beings can have a

part."—Testimonies, vol.

p. 52.

Comfort for the Church

What symbol illustrates the re-

lationships which should obtain in

His church? Gal. 6:10; 2 Cor. 6:18.

What is one way in which the

joy and happiness of church relation-

ship is expressed? Col. 3:16; Ps. 133:

1; John 17:21.

NoTE.—The church is the place where

God's children learn to live together in

Christian fellowship ; it is the grand rehearsal

for living together in heaven. The constant

grinding and subsequent smoothing of the

pebbles on the beach, illustrate quite aptly

the experiences which come to us in our con-

tacts in church life.

"Unity existing among the followers of

Christ is an evidence that the Father has sent

His Son to save sinners. It is a witness to His

power; for nothing short of the miraculous

power of God can bring human beings with

their different temperaments together in

harmonious action, their one aim being to

speak the truth in

love."—Testimonies,

vol.

9, p. 194.

What word expresses God's

plan that His people ,enjoy the com-

munion of saints? 1 John 1:3, 7.

NOTE.—"The word 'fellowship' means

participation, partnership."—Gospel

Work-

ers,

page 392.

"When consecrated believers assemble,

. charity, or love, the bond of perfectness,

will encircle them. Love to God and their

fellow men flows out naturally in words of

[43

]

affection, sympathy, and esteem for their

brethren."—Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 509.

Service Through the Church

What is embraced in the Sav-

iour's commission to the church?

Matt. 28:19, 20.

NOTE.—We are to

baptize

disciples, we

are to

teach

disciples; we are not only to

seek for them,

but we are to seek to

keep

them

in the church. The one is important,

so also is the other.

10.

What progressive work is essen-

tial in Christian growth? Heb. 6:1, 2;

2 Peter 3:18.

11.

To how many does the Sav-

iour's commission to preach and teach

the gospel message apply? Mark 13:

34.

NOTE.—Observe the expression, "and to

every man his work." The members of the

early church were eager to witness for God.

"They that were scattered abroad went

everywhere preaching the word." Acts 8:4.

"The .commission that Christ gave to His

disciples just before His ascension is the great

missionary charter of His kingdom."—Testi-

monies,

vol. 8, p. 14.

"Christ gave this commission to His dis-

ciples as His chief ministers, the architects

who were to lay the foundation of His

church."—Ibid.

"The Saviour's commission to the disciples

included all the believers. It includes all be-

lievers in Christ to the end of time."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 822.

12.

What passages in the Holy

Scriptures illustrate the work of win-

ning men and women to God? Luke

5:9, 10; Jer. 16:16; Matt. 5:16; Phil.

2:15.

NOTE.—"In a special sense Seventh-day

Adventists have been set in the world as

watchmen and light bearers. To them has

been entrusted the last warning for a perish-

ing world. On them is shining wonderful

light from the word of God. .. . There is no

other work of so great importance. They are

to allow nothing else to absorb their

atten-

tion."—Testimonies,

vol. 9, p. 19.

13.

In addition to that of working

individually for souls, what other re-

sponsibility has the Lord laid upon

His children? Mal. 3:8, 10.

NOTE.—"Thus it will ever be when the

Spirit of God takes possession of the life.

Those whose hearts are filled with the love

of Christ, will follow the example of Him

who for our sake became poor, that through

His poverty we might be made rich. Money,

time, influence,—all the gifts they have re-

ceived from God's hand, they will value

only as a means of advancing the work of

the gospel. Thus it was in the early church."

—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 71.

14.

What is it our privilege to re-

ceive, as

we enter wholeheartedly into

the service of God? Acts 1:8; Lev.

8:24.

NoTE.—As we consecrate, God sanctifies.

The illustration in Leviticus 8 fittingly rep-

resents the anointing of the Holy Spirit for

service. The ear, the hand, and the foot were

anointed; the ear, to signify that we hear

God's voice; the foot, that we walk with

Him; the hand, that we now work with

Him. What a blessed privilege !

"As the divine endowment—the power of

the Holy Spirit—was given to the disciples,

so it will today be given to all who seek

aright.... In giving us His Spirit, God gives

us Himself, making Himself a fountain of

divine influences, to give health and life to

the

world."—Testimonies, vol.

7, p. 273.

Illustrations:

Emerson, in speaking on the ethics of

human service, said, "Serve and thou shalt

be served. If you love and serve men, you

cannot, by any hiding or stratagem, escape

the remuneration."

Christ has provided all the power we need

for service, and if we willingly use His power

in the finishing of His work, we know He

will come with His unfailing reward. "To

every man his work;" and, if it is unselfishly

done, it is equally true to say, "To every

man his reward."

A good pastor once said, "It is a rule of

mine never to do anything myself which I

can get someone else to do." He had the

right idea. He had a church to induce into

Christian activity. If he did all the work,

they would lose their chance, and thereby

they would be damaged. He saw that the

work was done; but he let the people have

the benefit and blessing of doing it.

For Further Reading:

"Christ has given to the church a sacred

charge. Every member should be a channel

through which God can communicate to the

world the treasures of His grace, the un-

searchable riches of Christ. There is noth-

ing that the Saviour desires so much as

agents who will represent to the world His

Spirit and His character. There is nothing

that the world needs so much as the mani-

festation through humanity of the Saviour's

love. All heaven is waiting for men and

women through whom God can reveal the

power of Christianity.

"The church is God's agency for the proc-

lamation of truth, empowered by Him to do

a special work; and if she is loyal to Him,

obedient to all His commandments, there

will dwell within her the excellancy of divine

grace. If she will be true to her allegiance,

if she will honor the Lord God of Israel,

there is no power that can stand against

her."—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 600.

INDIVIDUAL SABBATH SCHOOL OFFERING GOAL

"As God hath prospered him"

MY WEEKLY GOAL (Check Amount)

$5.00

"God loveth a

cheerful giver"

RECORD

2.00

Birthday

1.50

1.00

4 .

Investment

.50

TOTAL

.40

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

March 28, 1953—Far Eastern Division

The overflow from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering on March 28

will go to the Far Eastern Division to help in providing essential build-

ings and equipment in three major educational institutions:

i. Japan Missionary College, near Tokyo. This is our only secondary

or collegiate school in Japan, and it is badly handicapped by a lack of

essential buildings and equipment.

The North Celebes Training School in the Indonesia Union. This

school has several incomplete buildings which must be finished before

it can function efficiently.

The new junior college now being started on the island of Min-

danao. This college will meet an urgent need for educational facilities

in the newly organized South Philippine Union Mission.

[46]

CANTON •

4. HOSPITAL

SCHOOL

COLLEGE

53,674



68,451

899

FAR EASTERN DIVISION

KOREAN UNION

MISSJON

PEIPING

TINTS!

UNION MISSION

POPULATION

INDONESIAN

70,467,000

JAPAN

79.532,440

KOREAN

24,326,327

MALAYAN

51,432,678

N. PHILIPPINE

9.326,640

S. PHILIPPINE

9.758,161

ISLAND MISSION

185.559

FAR EASTERN

DIVISION

245,028,805

CHURCHES



OA MEM.

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LESSONS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1953

Sabbath-school members who have failed to receive a senior

Lesson Quar-

terly

for the second quarter of 1953 will be helped by the following outline in

studying the first lesson. They will thus be able to follow the daily study of

the lesson.

The general topic of the lesson is "Lessons From the Lives of the Patriarchs."

The memory verse is Genesis 1:26. Lesson I for April 4 is entitled, "The Father

of Our Race." The Study Help is

Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages 44-62. The

texts to be studied are:

Ques. 1. Gen. 2:7 ; Luke 3:38.

Ques. 2. Gen. 1:27.

Ques. 3. Gen. 2:8, 9.

Ques. 4. Gen. 2:21-24.

Ques. 5. Gen. 2:15.

Ques. 6. Gen. 1:29; 2:16.

Ques. 7. Gen. 2:2, 3 ; Ps. 111:4.

Ques. 8. Gen. 2:17 (margin).

Ques. 9. Gen. 3:1-7.

Ques. 10. Gen. 3:8-13.

Ques. 11. Gen. 3:14.

Ques. 12. Gen. 3 :15.

Ques. 13. Gen. 3:17-19.

Ques. 14. Gen. 3:22-24; 4:1, 2; 5:3-5.

Ques. 15. Rom. 5:12; Luke 4:6.

Ques. 16. 1 Cor. 15:45, 47; Luke 19:10.

Ques. 17. Rom. 5:19; 6:23, Micah 4:8.